Bristol City Council proposes DROPPING private hire vehicle driver knowledge test requirement
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Bristol City Council is considering a significant revision of its private hire driver knowledge test, with a proposal to remove large parts of the current format in line with new government guidance and technological developments.
Under the proposed amendments, topographical knowledge sections covering locations of clubs, pubs, restaurants, hotels, districts, and places of interest would be dropped from the assessment. The changes reflect concerns that such requirements are outdated in an era where private hire drivers rely heavily on satellite navigation systems.
According to the council report, since the beginning of 2025, only eight out of 133 candidates have passed the current test. Officers believe the existing format places an unnecessary barrier on new applicants entering the trade.
The changes are based on guidance from the Department for Transport (DfT), which in November 2023 advised licensing authorities that private hire drivers should not be required to demonstrate detailed local knowledge. The DfT guidance supports the use of navigation tools and places greater emphasis on driver conduct, safety, and customer service.
If approved, the revised test will focus on areas considered more relevant to the role of a modern private hire driver. These include safety, road safety, handling money, policy and legislation, and equality. Officers also propose strengthening these sections with additional topics such as disability awareness, planning routes using navigation systems, conflict avoidance, and handling abusive or discriminatory behaviour.
No changes are proposed for the hackney carriage knowledge test, which will retain its existing format due to the nature of the service where drivers are available for immediate hire without knowing destinations in advance.
The council’s licensing officers argue the proposed revision would bring the private hire driver test in line with national standards and better reflect the practical realities of the job.
The Public Safety and Protection Committee will consider the amendments on 3 June 2025.
