Q. Amongst your passengers is a child under fourteen years old. Whose responsibility is it to ensure the seat belt is worn by that child?
A. The driver’s.
Q. Identify where you would check the engine fluid levels for brakes, power steering, engine water engine oil and windscreen washer?
A. All normally located in the engine compartment.
Q. Tell me how you would check the fluid level of the engine water cooling system?
A. To check, look at the container which is semi-transparent and note the level. Top up if necessary.
Q. You have taken a longer route than normal, the passenger realises this and complains. How can you resolve this situation?
A. Offer the passenger a reduced fare.
Q. Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this vehicle?
A. Apply a weight to the footbrake pedal, go back and check, or ask someone to check while I press the pedal, or apply the pedal and use a reflection in glass.
Q. Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey?
A. Apply the footbrake pedal whilst stationary to gauge the pedal pressure. If safe, roll the vehicle slightly and apply the footbrake.
Q. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that they are safe to use on the road?
A. Use a tread depth gauge to check the tyre has at least 1.6 mm of tread. Use a pressure gauge for the pressures, and look at them to ensure there are no obvious cuts or bulges.
Q. Tell me how you would check the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?
A. With engine running turn the steering wheel to assess the ease of operation. If the steering is heavy, check the power steering reservoir and top up if necessary.
Q. Show me how you would check the headlights and tail lights are working?
A. Turn the side lights and headlights on and walk round and visually check.
Q. Show me how you would check the direction indicators are working?
A. Turn the indicator switch on and walk round the vehicle and visually check.
Q. Show me how you would check the horn is working (done off road only)?
A. Press the operating switch or button as fitted to your vehicle.
Q. Show me how you would check the handbrake for excessive wear?
A. Release the handbrake and re-apply to find out if the lever rises above four clicks.
Q. A passenger has difficulty in engaging the clip for the seat belt and asks for help. Which side of the passenger do you work from?
A. From the side where I do not have to lean across the passenger.
Q. What is the overall stopping distance?……. ( a distance will be asked by the examiner relative to that stated in the Highway Code)
A. Answer should be in line with information on stopping distances in the Highway Code
Q. What are the rules relating to the yellow box junction?
A. Do not enter the yellow box unless your exit road is clear. You may enter and wait only if you intend to turn right.
Q. What is the first thing you are required by law to do if you are involved in an accident?
A. Stop and exchange details with the other driver(s)
Q. A passenger is taken ill and needs hospital attention. What is the quickest means of getting help for your passenger?
A. Use a phone to call control using taxi radio to call for an ambulance, giving your exact location.
Q. Under what circumstances can large items of luggage are stowed in the passenger compartment?
A. At no time. All large items of luggage should be stowed in the luggage compartment.
Q. Under what circumstances could radio communication be used whilst driving?
A. For emergencies with regard to passenger illness or road traffic accidents.
Q. You see a flashing amber light at a pelican type crossing. What does this mean?
A. Proceed if the way is clear.
Q. Why is it sensible to leave a good gap between you and the vehicle in front when stationary in traffic?
A. Any of the following are acceptable answers,
- To be able to drive off if the vehicle in front breaks down.
- To avoid front end damage with the vehicle in front after a rear end shunt.
- To be able to drive off if confronted by an attacker at the window.
Q. I would like you to assume you are training for or have changed from Private Hire to Hackney Carriage. Your passenger is wheelchair bound and needs assistance in boarding your vehicle. What is the procedure and what safety measures should be undertaken once the passenger is on board?
A. Park with the nearside door a reasonable distance to the kerb to reduce trip hazard. Ensure the cab door is fully open. Unload the wheelchair ramps and place them securely into their fixings. Check the ramps for stability and load passenger into the passenger compartment. The wheelchair brakes should be applied and the passenger and wheelchair secured using the safety belts and fixings in the vehicle.
Q. What is your main concern as the driver of a fare paying passenger carrying vehicle?
A. The safety and comfort of my passengers.
Q. You are called to pick up a partially sighted passenger, what considerations should you make?
A. The passenger may have difficulty in locating the car; I would ask them if they required assistance.
Q. Your passenger has difficulty with hearing and either does not hear or misunderstands the fare you have quoted. How can you resolve the situation?
A. I would bring the meter display to their attention or write down the fare on a piece of paper.
