Skip to sub navigation Skip to main content
Show menu

Acceptable qualifications and assessment certificates

1. Acceptable educational qualifications include:

  • UK GCSE / O-level (or equivalent) certificate showing a “pass” grade*
  • UK AS-level or A-level certificate showing a “pass” grade*
  • 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 at least “Entry Level 2” or “Entry Level 3”, “Level 1” or “Level 2”. Qualifications at “Entry Level 1” will not be accepted)
  • SELT, Secure English Language Test, grade 5 or higher
  • Cambridge, English Language B2 First
  • 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

*These qualifications do not have to relate to just an English Language exam, but could be any UK school / college / university subject, as the Council will be aware that such a subject was taught and carried out using the English Language, and that the exams were taken using the English Language, and marked by a UK examining board.

2. Acceptable English Language Assessments include:

  • A “pass” certificate from Phoenix Solutions (contact info@taxitesthub.co.uk to book a short online or face-to-face assessment (they will need your name, your telephone number, and the time and date of your pre-booked virtual appointment with our Licensing Team – they will send the result of your assessment directly to us).
  • A “pass” certificate from an Online English Language Skills (written and oral) assessment provider (i.e. Pearson Versant English for Taxi Drivers). The cost of the assessment is paid by the applicant (or the company the applicant will work for) directly to the assessment provider
  • A “pass" certificate from the International English Test (CEFR B1 –Intermediate Level is the minimum requirement). You can book and complete your test online at: https://internationalenglishtest.com