City & Guilds Assured Basic Vehicle Inspection for Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Vehicles

This course has been designed to give enforcement officers an appreciation of the various aspects of Vehicle Inspection relative to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles.

Enforcement Officers and supporting staff will be given the opportunity to undertake practical examinations of various vehicles used for Hackney Carriage or Private Hire purposes. Upon completion of the course the officers will be able to make an informed decision about the roadworthiness of these vehicles.

Enforcement Officers and support staff will learn the severity of any faults found and the appropriate action to take, to ensure either the defect is corrected quickly, or the vehicles operating licence is suspended in accordance with council policy.

Candidates will be given the opportunity to take all these points into consideration when issuing warnings or suspensions whilst continuing to deal with drivers in a professional manner.

Candidates attending this programme will look at the following:

• Vehicle layouts
• Body Appreciation and Management
• External and Internal Considerations
• Steering – Security & operation
• Braking – Operation & Efficiency
• Suspension – Passenger safety & comfort
• Electrical – Legal requirements
• Tyres – Legislation regarding Tread Depth, Pressure, types of tyres
• Additions – Taxi Test, Taxi Plates, Modifications, Disabled access

In addition to the theoretical aspect of this programme, enforcement officers will participate in inspecting Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles for roadworthiness. During the inspection candidates will be guided, watched, and assessed by tutors.

Officers will be expected to:

• provide feedback to the driver of defects found
• make an informed decision as to the severity of the defect
• decide upon what action is necessary and complete the appropriate paperwork
• adhere to strict health & safety practices

Assessment Process
Candidates will be continuously assessed via multi choice and short answer questions, observation of visual inspections and oral questioning. Candidates who successfully complete both theoretical and practical elements will be awarded the City & Guilds Assured Basic Vehicle Inspection for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles’ certificate.

Course Requirements
No formal qualifications are required; however, a course folder will be sent to all candidates four weeks prior to the start date which candidates must read thoroughly.