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Practical Driving Assessment

The Nippy Taxis Scarborough Driving Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation crafted to uphold the highest safety and service standards for taxi drivers in Scarborough. With a focus on safe, reliable, and customer-oriented service, this assessment covers essential skills to ensure passenger satisfaction and safety.

What to Expect in the Driving Assessment

Duration: Approximately 40–60 minutes.

The assessment reviews drivers across four essential areas:

  1. Road Safety and Compliance Check
    Drivers demonstrate their knowledge of road safety rules, such as speed limits, traffic signals, and right-of-way regulations. Proper mirror usage, seatbelt compliance, and other safety measures are also checked.
  2. Driving Skill and Control
    Driving ability is assessed in city conditions, including roundabouts and tight spaces. Smooth acceleration, braking, and cornering are essential for a comfortable, safe passenger experience.
  3. Customer Service Evaluation
    Professionalism, clear communication, and courteousness are evaluated, with attention to how drivers handle inquiries and meet passenger needs.
  4. Vehicle Handling and Care
    Drivers are checked on their ability to maintain their vehicle, including awareness of fuel levels, cleanliness, and basic upkeep.

By assessing these skills, we ensure our drivers provide a safe, efficient, and enjoyable passenger experience, in line with Scarborough’s high taxi service standards.

Required Documents

Before starting the assessment, please bring:

  • Photo-card driving licence
  • MOT certificate of the vehicle
  • Insurance certificate of the vehicle

Assessment Process

  1. Eyesight Test
    You’ll read a number plate from 20 metres. A failure means the driving portion cannot proceed.
  2. Vehicle Walkaround Check
    You’ll explain and demonstrate the pre-journey checks you conduct on your vehicle.
  3. Practical Taxi Driving Assessment
    • 40 minutes of varied road driving, including a possible manoeuvre.
    • 10 minutes of independent driving, without turn-by-turn directions.
    • Stops for passenger pick-up/drop-off simulation.
    • Highway Code and road sign questions relevant to passenger safety.

You’ll pass with 9 faults or fewer. Any serious or dangerous fault results in a fail.

  1. Taxi Manoeuvre
    As though picking up a new passenger, you’ll turn the vehicle safely. Options include:

    • Three-point turn
    • Left reverse into a side road
    • U-turn (if safe and legal)

Unsafe manoeuvres, such as reversing from a side road or using private property, are not permitted.

At the End of the Assessment

Upon passing, you’ll receive:

  • A pass certificate
  • An assessment copy
  • A debrief with feedback

If you don’t pass, we’ll provide:

  • A debrief
  • An assessment copy

Booking and Fees

Our driving assessment costs £70 (including VAT). To book, please call 01723 506070 or email us.