Applying to drive a taxi or cab

​​​​Before you can obtain a badge to drive a public service vehicle (PSV) taxi / cab, you will need to:

•   hold a full Jersey driving licence which includes category B 
•   complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (see step 1) 
•   be aged 21 or over
•   attend a formal briefing at Driver and Vehicle Standards Department (DVS) (see step 2)
•   take a practical driving test (see step 3)
•   take an island knowledge test (see step 4)
•   have a medical form completed by your doctor confirming you are fit to drive a taxi / cab 

The application process is split into 4 steps.

Step 1: fill in application form PSV1, including the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check form

You must fully complete application for​m PSV1  and submit it to DVS.

You must also complete the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) form and submit it to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Department (DVS) with the fee of (£70) DVS will check that the form has been completed correctly and will pass it onto Police Headquarters.  A record check will then be done to find out if you have any criminal convictions including motoring offences. The results of the check will be forwarded to DVS. This may take several weeks.

Step 2: attend a formal briefing

When your application has been processed you will be invited to a formal briefing at DVS.

At the briefing we will:

• explain the test requirements
• explain what will be expected of you as a PSV driver
• issue you with a code of conduct
• answer any queries you may have

Step 3: take a practical driving test

Once you've completed steps 1 and 2, you can book your practical driving test. PSV driving test bookings must be made in person at DVS. You must produce your Jersey driving licence along with the correct fee (£93) You will then be given a date to sit the test.

It might be useful to take some formal driving lessons with an approved driving instructor. This will help you to know what is required in the test, and will also help you to get rid of any bad driving habits.

Before you begin your test, the examiner will want to see:

•  your Jersey driving licence
•  a certificate of insurance or cover note entitling you to drive the vehicle (insurance policies, schedules or photocopies of the certificate are not acceptable. You will not be permitted to take the test unless the original certificate of insurance or a cover note is presented)

You must sit the test in a saloon of a similar size to a typical taxi / cab. During the test you will be required to drive at the standard of a professional driver and as though you had a vehicle fully laden with passengers.

As part of the test, you will have to perform: 

•   a hill-start
•   reversing manoeuvres
•   a drive on a route selected by the examiner

If at the end of the test, the examiner does not feel you have attained the required standard, you will have to sit the test again. If the examiner feels you have achieved the required standard, you can then proceed to step 4.

Step 4: show your knowledge of the Island

A good knowledge of the location of places and areas in the Island is essential for you to be able to perform your job as a taxi / cab driver. 

This part of the process is divided into two main sections. Section 1 is an oral test. Section 2 is a written test. The time allowed for the full knowledge test is two hours. If at the end of the test you have failed to reach the required standard in all areas, you will need to resit those areas. The full test fee (£74) will apply each time, regardless of the number of areas to be completed.

To prepare for both the oral and written tests, you should study: 

•   the Highway Code
•   the Jersey Highway Code
•   the Jersey almanac
•   a map of Jersey 
•   'Obtaining a badge to drive a PSV taxi / cab' which is available from DVS for free

Section 1

Section 1 is divided into 16 categories: 

You will be asked randomly selected samples from each category and will be expected to clearly explain the location to the examiner. Your response should assure the examiner that you are familiar with the location of the area, building etc. If the examiner is not satisfied with your answer, he / she may ask you to give further details, such as landmarks, location relative to other buildings etc. When questioned you should be able to picture the building or the journey in your head.

In the journeys section you will be required to explain to the examiner the shortest practical route between the locations given (not necessarily including green lanes or narrow country lanes). You should be aware of the names of the roads on your suggested​ route. If there is more than one possible route, you will only be expected to explain one. Examiners may also reverse the direction of the listed routes, eg Oak Tree Gardens to Fort Regent, instead of Fort Regent to Oak Tree Gardens.

Section 2

Section 2 is a multiple choice questionnaire covering aspects of the:

• law pertaining to PSV
• vehicle maintenance that a driver would be expected to be aware of
• Highway Code
• general public service vehicle matters

You will also have to fill in the names of the 12 parishes on an outline map of Jersey.

Getting your badge

When you have successfully completed all of the steps detailed above, and paid the fee (£11​), you will be issued with a badge to drive a taxi / cab.

You must renew your badge annually and on time. It is illegal to drive a public service vehicle unless you hold a valid PSV badge. You will not be sent a reminder to renew your badge. 

You may also wish to apply for inclusion on the restricted taxi / cab licence waiting list. Request a form for this when you receive your badge.

As a PSV driver you will be expected to abide by the code of conduct and act in a professional manner at all times. You will probably be the first Jersey resident visitors meet in the Island. Ensure that their first impression is a good one.