Driver Knowledge Test
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers are required to pass a special test, generally referred to as 'The Knowledge', before they can be licensed.
All applicants for a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers licence are required to pass a special test before they can be licensed to drive Hackney Carriages and Private Hire vehicles licensed by this authority. In London this test is known as 'The Knowledge' and a similar, though less rigorous test is administered by Basildon Borough council.
Content of the Knowledge Test
Applicants will be expected to have a reasonable understanding of the streets and main buildings within the entire Borough of Basildon. Therefore, the test will incorporate all of the main areas of Basildon such as Laindon, Lee Chapel, Vange, Pitsea, Chalvedon, Nevendon and Bowers Gifford etc., as well as surrounding towns and villages within the borough such as Wickford, Crays Hill and Billericay.
An applicant will also be expected to have knowledge of the law in relation to hackney carriage / private hire vehicles as well as the licensing conditions adopted by Basildon Borough Council. Applicants should be familiar with, and have studied, the Highway Code. It is therefore strongly recommended that anybody wishing to be licensed as a new driver should take the time to familiarise themselves with the Highway Code and the licence conditions and bye laws.
Details of the Knowledge Test
The test will be held at The Basildon Centre, St Martins Square, Basildon by an authorised officer. The cost of the test is included in the application fee. For details of fees please see Basildon Council - Schedule of Fees and Charges 2024-2025 (PDF) [510KB] (opens new window) (see page 59). The fees are correct at the time of publication, please contact the Licensing Team for information on up to date fees.
The knowledge test is computer based and the questions are automatically generated by the computer. A time limit applies and candidates will have a maximum of 35 minutes to complete it. The test will be taken in English. Assistance may be given, should an applicant have any difficulty in undertaking this test.
The test is divided into sections and sub sections. Should you fail one section, you will have failed the complete test, and will therefore be required to return at a later date to undergo the test again. You will be permitted to undertake the knowledge test 4 times. Should you not have completed the test after 4 attempts your application will be terminated. The council will entertain a fresh application for the licence which will only be considered after a period of 4 months has elapsed. The Licensing Office may, under exceptional circumstances, permit a further test to be undertaken after 4 attempts.
For further details of the knowledge test please see Knowledge Test - Guidance Notes - 25-08-2016 (PDF) [327KB] (opens new window)
Booking a Knowledge Test
Please contact the Licensing Department on 01268 206925 to book your knowledge test.