Taxi Driver Online

Being in the process of just applying for my licence I have a bit of a query.

What is the DSA drving test all about and does anyone know (any newbies) what is involved? I started to go for my ADI earlier this year and so have a pretty good idea what that one is all about but I'm very unclear as the the one for PH.

I spoke to the guy at the council and from what he was saying it's just the ability to follow instruction etc, I've seen it writtin on a website somewhere that the examiner will expect you to drive as NORMAL rather than what you might think he'd expect you to drive like.

So does this mean that I can drive with one hand on the stearing wheal with my arm perched on the side and the other resting on my leg, you know the way we sometimes drive because it comfortable or the way we are meant to drive with our hands at 10 and 2 o'clock with our eyes in the mirrors every 7 seconds.

It's all a bit confusing really...

by driving 'normal' they mean as per the way you are ment according to the highway code.

if you were doing an ADI then you know what it is all about and will have nothing to worry about.

I see there's a new section on the DSA website, with tons of info, including an FAQ.

http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Taxis.asp

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Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

He may have meant this:

The practical test will last for about 35 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. During the test you should drive in a natural way, and should not adjust your driving to what you may feel the examiner would expect to see. The examiner will give you clear instructions which you should follow throughout the test.

Precisely what 'natural' means I don't know, maybe it's so that you don't just try to drive well for the test and that the tester sees how you usually drive, but it that sounds a bit naive - I mean, if you naturally drive with a fag in your hand, you're not going to do so during a test just because you are told to drive naturally.

Mind you, knowing some in the trade, they probalby would

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Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

This seems to be the main bit about the driving element:

Additional help and information:
To pass you are permitted to accumulate up to nine 9 driving faults, if you accumulate 10 or more driving faults you will fail. Any serious or dangerous fault will be immediately recorded as a failure; the test will still continue finally returning to the driving test centre.

The taxi assessment test is reflective of modern driving practices, the standard is set at a level suitable for the full driving licence holder, which is therefore higher than the learner driver test. It is important that you do not adjust your driving to what you may feel the examiner would expect to see, do not drive in an unnatural manner.


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Some of the areas your driving examiner will be looking at:

you may be asked to do an emergency stop, you will need to demonstrate that you can stop as in an emergency, promptly and under control (avoid skidding)

you will be asked to carry out two manoeuvres one of which will be your own choice, in both cases you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to manoeuvre your vehicle under control and with good all round effective observations, giving consideration to other road users and pedestrians

you will be asked on a number of occasions to pull up on the left at a safe and convenient place, as if a fare is either going to get in or out of your vehicle - avoid parking next to lampposts and trees as this could be potentially hazardous for your passenger

whenever you have been stationary at the side of the road, remember your important safety check - check your blind spot (look over your right shoulder) before pulling away

you need to use all your mirrors effectively (interior and exterior) and at the appropriate times, in effect you should demonstrate that you are aware of what is happening around your vehicle at all times

you need to signal correctly and in good time to let other road users know your intention - other road users need to see and understand what you plan to do

you will be expected to understand and comply with traffic signs and road markings, as they are there to help you anticipate and plan your journey. You will also need to see and react to signals given by the police, traffic wardens etc. and signals given by other road users

you must be able to demonstrate your ability to make progress when the speed signs and the road and traffic conditions dictate it is safe to do so. Equally it is important to demonstrate that you recognise and comply when in a lower speed limit areas

watch your separation distance from the vehicle in front and also your separation distance from parked cars

use sound judgement when overtaking, meeting oncoming vehicles and when turning right in front of oncoming traffic. At no time be in a situation where you cause another vehicle to brake or swerve to avoid you

demonstrate that you are aware of other road users at all times, plan ahead predict how the actions of others will affect your driving and react in good time. Be aware of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists etc. act in good time, rather than at the last moment


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Wheelchair accessible vehicles:
You should demonstrate your ability to securely erect the wheelchair ramps (whatever style of ramp fitted to your vehicle)

safely install the wheelchair in your vehicle, backing the chair to the `fold down' seats, then securing both wheelchair brakes
secure seat belts/safety harness and also secure wheel belts/clamps if fitted to your vehicle
having satisfied yourself that the wheelchair and imaginary disabled person are secure, reverse the process
you will be asked a few questions on the Highway Code, asked to identify a few traffic sign and road markings and asked some general cabology questions. This may include such questions as the length, width or height, tyre pressures, what to do if you found an item of lost property in your cab etc
It is important that you can demonstrate all the principles of safety and security - if seat belts, wheel belts or wheel clamps etc. are fitted then they should be in good working order and applied whatever style of wheelchair accessible vehicle you bring on test.

It is important that you read the Highway Code and be familiar with your vehicle.

It is strongly advisable to consider taking professional instruction prior to taking the test.

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Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

Talking about driving, I see that the front page story of July's PHM seemed to be getting a bit shirty about that Tesco survey which concluded that cab drivers were even worse than 'white van man'.

But let's face it, a lot of drivers in the trade are absolute cack, and I think he was really trying to defend the indefensible, and vague comparisons with other groups of road users hardly helps things.

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Taxi Driver Online
www.taxi-driver.co.uk

Thanks folks.

As TDO as mentioned with the bit from the DSA website, in a NATURAL manner.

This is the bit where I get confused as I'm sure many will, many of us drive safely and natural with one hand on the stearing wheel but to the examiner it may be marked as lack of control etc.

It's a bit like the road sign scenareo, we all know what the road signs mean when we are driving but when we are in a test situation and under stress to get it right then sometimes we don't.

I think to pass the test you will need to drive in a proper manner, not a normal manner.

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IDFIMH

we have got it starting on August 1st.
i cant wait for the first firm to say too many cars not enough drivers.
will not be long.