Driver licensing

You will need to study our driver's handbook (PDF 1.69MB) to help prepare for the test.

To book a place on the knowledge test and training day, please call the licensing team on 01923 278476.

You will need to:

• Specify if you want to take the hackney carriage knowledge test, or the private hire knowledge test
• Pay the £114.48 fee over the phone by card

The training day takes place online using video conferencing software. You will need to ensure you can access the online training.

What is the difference between the hackney carriage and private hire knowledge tests?

The only differences between the two types of test relate to the questions that you will be asked on routes.

Hackney carriage drivers are expected to know Watford very well. You are expected to pick passengers up from the street and drive them to their destination without using a map or sat nav.

The test for hackney drivers covers the Parliamentary constituency of Watford. This is made up of the Borough of Watford, and also the Leavesden, Oxhey Hall, Abbots Langley, Carpenders Park and Langleybury areas of Three Rivers District Council. You will also be asked about routes to major transport interchanges outside of this area, for example Heathrow Airport or Waterloo train station.

To prepare for this part of the test, you are expected to get your own map and to learn these areas yourself. We do not give maps to applicants. You are not allowed to use any maps, phones or any other aids during the test.

Private hire drivers will usually have time to think about their route before collecting their passenger. This is because all private hire journeys must be pre-booked through an operator.

The test for private hire drivers only covers the borough of Watford. Questions will be based on the A roads within the borough, and roads leading directly from A roads. There will also be questions about landmarks within the borough, such as Vicarage Road Stadium, schools and pubs.

During the private hire test, you may use a paper map or A-Z to assist you. However, you are still expected to have a general idea of the places and roads within Watford, including one-way streets, restricted roads, and prohibited turns. If you were to solely rely on the map, you will find that it is not possible to pass the test. You are not permitted to use internet searches to look up routes or to use a sat-nav.

How do I prepare for the test?

You are expected to prepare for the routes test on your own. This may mean getting a map, using the internet to plot routes, or driving around the roads to get to know the area.

When you book your test, you will be sent a confirmation letter and a copy of our driver's handbook (PDF 1.23MB). This handbook will help you prepare for the test. It is important that you study this book.

After booking you will be sent full details by email of how to access the training and what to expect on the day.

What are the pass marks?

To pass, you must pass all parts of the training day and must complete the disability awareness training. You must also obtain the pass marks for the knowledge test papers.

Hackney drivers are asked 40 questions on routes.  To pass you must answer 35 questions correctly.

Private hire drivers are asked 12 questions on routes. To pass you must answer 9 questions correctly.

Everybody is asked 15 questions on the council’s rules and regulations. To pass you must answer 12 questions correctly.

Everybody is asked 5 questions on the Highway Code. To pass you must answer 4 questions correctly.

Everybody is asked 5 questions on mental arithmetic. To pass you must answer all 5 questions correctly.

When will I get my results?

You will be issued with a certificate upon completing the training day and also if you pass the knowledge tests. All candidates are required to download their own certificates.

What if I fail the test?

If you fail the test, you can book a re-test. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake the test.

You will need to take all of the tests again. However, you will not need to take the disability training again, or the driver training, if you have successfully completed the training before.

I won’t be driving a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Do I still need to take the disability awareness training?

The council’s policy is that all new drivers must prove that they have had disability awareness training. Handling wheelchairs is one element of the training, but the training will also cover other disabilities too.

I booked a date but now need to reschedule. Can I?

You are able to book another date. You may get a refund if you notify us more than three working days in advance. We may also transfer your fee and book you a place on the next available course if you cancel within 24 hours of the course and with good reason.

If you have any other queries on the knowledge test, or have a question which is not answered here, then please contact the licensing team on 01923 278476 or by completing our online contact form.