English language skills assessment for taxi or private hire drivers

The government have introduced new standards for drivers which mean that you must now pass a Council-approved Versant English language test, or hold an equivalent level qualification, to:

• apply for a taxi or private hire driver licence
• renew a taxi or private hire driver licence after 6 September 2022

You can also take a practice test which costs £11 plus VAT. Tests are online so it is important that you are prepared.

You will need:

• a good wifi connection
• Microsoft Teams
• access to a laptop or desktop computer
• access to a smart phone or similar device
• to allow an hour (the actual test is about 15 minutes)

If you've previously passed the Versant English language test in the Aylesbury Vale area, you do not have to take the test again.

Find out about our English test preparation workshops and courses.

For help booking a test, contact [email protected].

Qualifications need to demonstrate English language proficiency at a level B1 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Some of the qualifications that are recognised as evidence of this level of proficiency are:

• UK GCSE/O level (or equivalent) certificate, grades A* to G
• UK AS-level or A-level certificate
• UK BA Hons, BSc Hons degree or higher (such as a master's or PhD)
• UK HNC or HND qualification
• ESOL qualification showing English language skills equivalent to level B1 (CEFR) or higher. Examples of acceptable qualifications include ‘ESOL International Speaking and Listening’ and ‘ESOL Skills for Life (UK)’. To be considered equivalent the qualification must be “Entry Level 3”, “Level 1” or “Level 2”. Qualifications at “Entry Level 1” and “Entry Level 2” will not be accepted.
• SELT, Secure English Language Test, grade 5 or higher
• GESE, Graded Examinations in Spoken English, grade 5 or higher
• ISE, Integrated Skills in English, ISE(1)(B1)
• UK NVQ, BTEC or City & Guilds qualification equivalent to GCSE or above, such as:
  • Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving (Taxi and Private Hire)
  • City & Guilds, Level 2 Certificate in Introduction to the Role of the Professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver

Drivers who have previously taken a Versant English language test in the Aylesbury Vale area of Buckinghamshire Council and scored a test result equivalent to B1 or higher do not need to take the test again.

We will not accept Function Skills Qualifications, for example NCFE or Pearson/Edexcel, as evidence of English language proficiency.

Further advice on acceptable qualifications is available from our licensing service.

The licensing service will need to be satisfied that any qualification has been taught in English.

For information and support with the licensing process, you can contact taxi licensing.