Taxi & Private Hire Driver Support Hub
Everything You Need to Know
Helpful guides, resources and answers to common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find the most common questions from drivers, grouped by topic for easy navigation.
Q: Can I book by phone or in person?
No. All bookings must be made online through the BLT Driver Training website.
Q: How do I book my taxi or wheelchair assessment?
Select your course from the website, click Book Now, and complete payment online. You’ll receive an automatic confirmation email and an assessor will contact you within 2–3 working days to agree a date, time and location for your assessment.
Q: How do I book an eLearning course?
You can book and pay online. Once payment is complete, you’ll receive instant access to the course.
Q: How do I book a virtual course?
You can book and pay online. Once payment is complete, you’ll receive a booking confirmation. Joining instructions are issued by email 24 hours prior to your course date.
Q: How do I pay?
All payments are made securely online using debit or credit card. We do not accept cash or over-the-phone payments.
Q: Will I get a receipt?
Yes – your payment confirmation email serves as your receipt. Keep this for your records.
Q: When will I be contacted after booking an assessment?
You’ll be contacted by one of our assessors within 2–3 working days to arrange the date, time and location of your assessment.
Q: What if I haven’t heard back within 4 working days?
Check your email junk or spam folder first. If you still haven’t heard from us, contact us via the Contact Us page or email info@bltdrivertraining.co.uk
Q: Where are the assessments held?
BLT Driver Training does not have Test Centres. We have approved assessors located nationally who conduct assessments from locations convenient to them and the candidate.
Q: Can I use my Private Hire or Hackney plated vehicle for the assessment?
Candidates are NOT PERMITTED to take the driving assessment in a Private Hire or Hackney plated vehicle except under the following two circumstances:
- The vehicle is registered/plated to you, the candidate, and you have been referred to take the assessment by your Local Authority.
- The vehicle is registered/plated to you and you want to change/be licensed to another Authority.
In both instances the driver MUST show their Private Hire or Hackney badge to the assessor along with their Driving Licence at the start of the assessment.
Q: What do I need to bring to the assessment?
You MUST bring your physical photo card driving licence with you. If your licence is a paper version you MUST also bring a form of photo ID such as a passport or local authority issued taxi badge.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses you should bring these.
You MUST bring a suitable vehicle to complete the assessment in. We do not supply a vehicle.
Q: What vehicle can I take my test in?
Your vehicle must be: right-hand drive, have no more than 8 passenger seats, weigh no more than 3.5t, have 4 wheels, have head restraints in all seats, and have an unobstructed rear window. It must be able to do at least 62mph and have a mph speedometer. A van or a convertible car is not classed as a suitable vehicle for a Taxi Assessment.
Your vehicle must be in a roadworthy condition (able to pass an MOT test).
Your vehicle must be insured for the purposes of the assessment — consult your insurance company to confirm this.
Q: How long does the assessment take?
A taxi assessment lasts 60 minutes. A wheelchair assessments lasts 30 minutes and a combination assessment lasts 90 minutes.
Q: What happens if I fail?
You can rebook and take the assessment again. Your assessor will provide feedback to help you prepare.
Q: What happens if there is a fault with my vehicle on the day?
The car must be roadworthy (able to pass an MOT test). If not, the assessment will not take place and you will need to re‑book for another date. Re‑booking will incur the full fee.
Q: My vehicle has been recalled by the manufacturer, can I still use it?
If your vehicle is part of a recall due to safety concerns it cannot be used for a taxi driving assessment. You will need to use an alternative vehicle.
Citroën drivers — Some C3, C4, DS3, DS4 and DS5 models are affected by airbag system recalls. Visit https://www.citroen.co.uk/maintain/safety-recall-check.html to check your vehicle.
Q: Can I take my assessment in an automatic vehicle?
Yes — but check with your Local Authority as they may only issue you a licence to drive an automatic vehicle.
Q: Can I have an interpreter with me for the assessment?
The assessment can only be conducted in the English language.
Taxi candidates are not permitted to use foreign‑language interpreters.
An interpreter may accompany deaf and/or non‑verbal candidates, but the interpreter must be at least 16 years old and communicate in English.
Q: Can I use my friend’s vehicle if mine is off the road?
You can use any vehicle as long as you are insured for the purposes of the assessment, and the vehicle is roadworthy and suitable.
You cannot use: a licensed taxi (private hire or hackney), a van, a vehicle with more than 9 seats, or a convertible car.
Q: Can I use a company car for the assessment?
We do not recommend using a company car.
If you do, you MUST provide evidence:
• That the vehicle is insured for the purposes of a driving assessment
• Written permission from your employer confirming you are authorised to use the vehicle
Failure to provide this will result in the assessment not going ahead and loss of your fee.
Q: Can I use a recording device during the assessment?
We do not allow recording of assessments. Cameras fitted for insurance purposes may remain as long as audio is disabled and the cameras face outward only.
Q: Can I take my assessment in a hire vehicle?
If hiring a vehicle, you must declare to the hire company that it is being used for a driving assessment.
You must also provide evidence to the assessor that the vehicle has appropriate insurance cover.
Failure to do this will result in the assessment not going ahead.
Q: Will I have to travel to my assessment location?
We aim to allocate an assessor as close as possible, but you may be required to travel a short distance.
Q: What happens if I am late for my assessment?
If you are more than 5 minutes late, the assessment may not go ahead. This decision is at the assessor’s discretion.
Q: What is the wheelchair assessment?
It’s a practical assessment showing you can safely and professionally assist passengers using wheelchairs — including loading, securing and communication.
Q: Do all drivers need the wheelchair assessment?
Only drivers operating wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) or where required by their local licensing authority.
Q: Where can I take the wheelchair assessment?
It’s available only at certain locations. See the Wheelchair Assessment booking form for locations we cover.
Q: Can I take a Taxi Assessment & Wheelchair Assessment on the same day?
Yes. You can book a Combination Assessment taking both the Wheelchair Assessment and Taxi Driver Assessment together at a discounted rate.
Q: Can I take advantage of the Combination Assessment offer on separate days?
To benefit from the reduced rate of a Combination Assessment, your Taxi Driver Assessment and Wheelchair Assessment must be taken consecutively on the same day.
Q: Do I have to provide a wheelchair for the assessment?
No. The assessor will provide the wheelchair.
Q: Do I need to provide a wheelchair accessible vehicle?
Yes — you must bring a suitable wheelchair accessible vehicle for the assessment. The assessor does not provide one.
Q: What’s the difference between virtual and eLearning courses?
- eLearning – Self-paced, can be started immediately after booking.
- Virtual – A live online classroom session with an instructor at a set time delivered via Zoom.
Q: Once I’ve started an eLearning Safeguarding module, do I have to complete it in one sitting?
The Safeguarding eLearning Course is split into three modules, each approximately 20 minutes long.
Once you begin a module, you must complete it in one sitting. However, you don’t need to take all three modules at the same time — you can complete them over several days if preferred.
After completing all three modules and passing the 10-question knowledge check at the end of Module 3, you’ll be able to download your certificate.
Q: How can I re-enter my eLearning learner portal?
You can revisit the learner portal via your booking confirmation email or contact Support and enter your email address.
Q: Are there any IT requirements to complete the eLearning?
You’ll need a fast broadband connection to run the video content. Without it, content may load more slowly but should still function.
You’ll also need an up-to-date browser that supports HTML5, such as:
– Internet Explorer v11+
– Firefox v40+
– Google Chrome v35+
– Safari v8+
Q: How do I get my certificate?
Your certificate can be downloaded from the learner portal once you have passed the course.
Q: I’m having difficulties downloading my certificate
Please click here for guidance on downloading your certificate see: Safeguarding_FAQs-1.pdf.
Q: What happens if I fail the course?
At the end of the Safeguarding eLearning course is a 10-question test. You need 70% to pass and have three attempts to reach this score.
If you fail three times, you’ll be directed to a page to pay again and retake the course.
Q: I suffer with dyslexia — can I still take the course?
Yes. The eLearning course is fully narrated and all text is also displayed on screen to support accessibility.
Q: Do I need to have anything with me to complete a virtual course?
You’ll need to show photo ID to the trainer at registration. This must be the physical document — not a copy or photo.
Accepted photo ID includes:
- Valid driving licence
- Taxi/Private Hire badge (if applicable)
- Passport
Q: When will I receive the joining instructions?
Joining instructions are emailed the day before your course.
Q: When will I receive my certificate?
eCertificates are emailed 2–3 working days after successful course completion.
Q: Can two people share a login and do the course together?
Yes – two people may share a screen, but both must register and pay individually.
Certificates are only issued to those who:
- Have paid and registered individually
- Are visible and audible to the trainer
- Participate throughout the session
Q: I suffer with dyslexia — can I still take the course?
Yes. Our virtual courses are designed to be easy to follow.
The tutor clearly explains all content onscreen at a steady pace, and you’re free to ask questions or request clarification.
You’ll also receive a course booklet by email afterwards covering all key points.
If you have dyslexia or other disability/learning needs and want to discuss support options, please contact us in advance of your course date — we’re here to help.
Q: What IT equipment do I need?
You’ll need a laptop, tablet or phone that can run Zoom with audio and camera enabled.
Make sure you’re on a strong WiFi connection — if you keep losing connection, you’ll be removed from the session and will need to rebook at full cost.
Q: I am a Passenger Assistant and don’t have a driving licence — how do I register?
Passenger Assistants can present either a Passport or Council-issued photo ID at registration.
Q: How will I receive my certificate?
You’ll be told the outcome immediately after your assessment. You will receive a marking sheet with feedback. If you pass your assessment you will be given a certificates immediately
Q: How long is the certificate valid?
There is no expiry on the certificate. Its validity is at the discretion of the Local Authority that you are applying to.
Q: Can I request a replacement certificate?
Yes. If you lose your certificate, use the Contact Us form to request a duplicate. An admin fee will apply.
Q: How do you store my data?
Please read how we handle your data here
Q: Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, but you must notify us via the website contact form or info@bltdrivertraining.org.uk giving at least 7 days notice. Refunds are subject to our cancellation policy.
Q: What if I don’t show up?
If you fail to attend your fee may be forfeited.
Q: What do I do if I am not happy with my Assessment?
BLT Driver Training has a complaints procedure which you must follow. All complaints should be made in writing to info@bltdrivertraining.org.uk or to BLT Driver Training, c/o Police and Fire HQ, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9SJ within 10 days of your Assessment.
Receipt of your complaint will be acknowledged within 2 working days and outlining our next steps.
Q: How do I raise a complaint?
BLT Driver Training has a complaints procedure which you must follow. All complaints should be made in writing to info@bltdrivertraining.org.uk or to BLT Driver Training, c/o Police and Fire HQ, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9SJ within 10 days of your Assessment.
Receipt of your complaint will be acknowledged within 2 working days and outlining our next steps.