TaxiTestPractice › Knowsley

Knowsley Level 2 and skills assessment practice

A Level 2 taxi and private hire qualification (9 units, each with an online test) plus Knowsley's own Essential Skills Assessment. One of England's biggest licensing councils.

Knowsley asks new drivers to hold a Level 2 qualification in transporting passengers by taxi and private hire, then sit the council's own Essential Skills Assessment on English and driver fundamentals.

The test at a glance

• Level 2 units9Online multiple-choice test each
• Unit tests25–35 QsPer unit, reported by providers
• Pass markNoneSet by the awarding body
• Badge price£110New 3-year badge (£66 for 1 year)
• Course costNoneVaries by training provider
• Skills attempts2Essential Skills Assessment

How to take the test

1. Complete the Level 2 Qualification in Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire with a training provider.
2. Gather your enhanced DBS (dated within 2 months), Group II medical from your GP and right to work documents.
3. Apply to Knowsley Council with your Level 2 certificate.
4. Attend the Essential Skills Assessment when invited by email (2 attempts).

What the test covers

• Knowsley rules: Knowsley's requirements, the Level 2 qualification and Essential Skills Assessment.
• Plying for hire: Pre-booked only, touting, ranks and matching licences.
• Safeguarding: Children, vulnerable adults, CSE, county lines and modern slavery.
• Equality & disability: Assistance dogs, mobility help and the Equality Act 2010.
• Road & passenger safety: Phones, seatbelts, child seats and safe drop-offs.
• Law & wider safety: Smoking, data protection, terrorism and suicide awareness.

What you need for your licence

• Full UK driving licence held for 12 months
• Enhanced DBS dated within 2 months of applying
• Group II medical from your registered GP
• Certificate of good conduct if you lived abroad 3+ months in the last 5 years
• HMRC tax check code if re-applying within 12 months of a previous licence

On the day

• Photo ID (passport or driving licence) for every Level 2 unit test
• Allow time: unit tests run about 45 to 65 minutes each
• Check your email for your Essential Skills Assessment invitation (time, date and place)
• Need to rearrange? Email ESA-Appointments@knowsley.gov.uk with your name, address, reference and NI number
• You have 2 attempts at the Essential Skills Assessment, so prepare properly for the first

Official sources

• Knowsley: apply for a new private hire driver licence
• Knowsley: after you apply
• Knowsley: taxi and private hire fees

Last checked October 2026.

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