Kirklees Council driver training and theory test

Kirklees Council (Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Batley and the surrounding towns) does not set a separate local knowledge or topography test. Instead, every new applicant passes an English test and then a theory training course with a theory test, based on the West Yorkshire and York driver training standards. This note covers that process and the local rules you should know. Always check the council's website before you book, because details can change.

The two stages

Stage	What it is	Fee
1 - English	An English qualification at entry level 3 or above, taken face to face in the UK; otherwise the taxi ESOL assessment at Crosland Moor Learning Centre (booking only, card payment on the day)	£35
2 - Theory	Theory training course and theory test in one session, followed by a run-through of the driver conditions, which you sign to say you have read and understood	£132.65, paid when booking

You cannot start Stage 2 without passing Stage 1, and B1 English certificates are not accepted. Bring your DVLA licence and ESOL pass (or the licensing team's exemption email) to the training, or you will be turned away without a refund.

Theory test modules

1. Regulatory framework - the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and Highways Act 1980
2. Professional standards
3. Safeguarding - adults, children and vulnerable passengers
4. Equalities and disability - wheelchair users, assistance dogs, elderly passengers and non-visible disability

Key fact: Each module needs 80%, and some questions must be answered correctly. Getting a key question wrong is a fail even if you reach 80%.

Kirklees does not publish the number of questions, the time allowed or a limit on attempts for the theory test.

Other requirements

• A full DVLA licence held for at least 2 years (so the earliest age to apply is 19).
• A practical driving test with an approved supplier (Kirklees stopped providing it in August 2025), passed within 12 months before you apply. A test approved by another West Yorkshire authority is accepted.
• A Group 2 medical by your own GP, less than 6 months old; enhanced DBS plus the DBS Update Service (missing the annual fee means suspension).
• A dual licence lasts 3 years (£329.50). There are no reminder letters; renew up to 3 months early. A refresher awareness session is needed every 3 years.

Reporting deadlines

Event	Deadline
Arrest, charge or conviction for sexual, dishonesty, violence or motoring offences	48 hours in writing
Change of name, address or phone number	7 days in writing
Accident affecting safety or appearance	72 hours
Plates when a vehicle is suspended	Return within 7 days
Vehicle sold	14 days
Unclaimed found property (byelaws)	Licensing office within 48 hours

Conduct and local rules

• Wear your badge whenever driving or acting under the licence. Stop when an authorised officer signals; officers from Bradford, Calderdale, Wakefield, Leeds and York are also authorised.
• Private hire drivers must not tout or offer immediate hire. Officers may act as covert passengers, and a plying-for-hire conviction should normally mean revocation.
• Only Kirklees-licensed hackney carriages may use Kirklees ranks. When plying for hire and not hired, go to a council stand.
• No smoking or vaping in a licensed vehicle at any time. No extra person on a hiring without the hirer's consent.
• Family members cannot drive the licensed vehicle unless they hold the right licence.

Vehicles and signs

• Hackney carriages are all white; new private hire licences are not issued for white vehicles. Hackney numbers are limited to 224.
• No blackout or privacy glass. First licensing: petrol Euro 5, diesel Euro 6.
• Relicensing stops at 13 years (Euro-compliant), 16 years (ULEV or wheelchair accessible) and 20 years (fully electric).
• Council door signs go on the top panel of both front doors. Private hire door signs say ADVANCED BOOKINGS ONLY; no roof signs or "taxi", "cab" or "for hire". Operator logos only on a magnetic backing.
• Vehicles with security cameras or audio recording must display a notice.

Fares

The council sets the hackney Table of Fares as a maximum, which can be negotiated down; the fare card must be displayed. Private hire fares are set by the operator. Expect general fare, change and time-distance sums.

Worked example

18 miles at an average of 30 mph: 18 ÷ 30 = 0.6 hours = 36 minutes.

Local area study tips

• The policy warns that signals can be poor in rural parts, so do not rely on sat-nav alone.
• Huddersfield: the station faces St George's Square; Lawrence Batley Theatre (Queen Street); Accu (Kirklees) Stadium (Stadium Way); Tolson Museum (Wakefield Road).
• North Kirklees: Dewsbury, Batley (Bagshaw Museum), Birstall (Oakwell Hall), Dewsbury and District Hospital at Staincliffe.
• South: Holmfirth (Holme Valley Memorial Hospital), Castle Hill at Almondbury, Kirklees Light Railway at Clayton West, Emley Moor mast.

Safeguarding and equality

• A vulnerable passenger must not sit in the front seat. Show photo ID to a carer and keep a log of incidents and refusals.
• Never set off without a specific destination; never follow a passenger indoors unless agreed.
• Report concerns to the police on 101 (999 if urgent), Crimestoppers or licensing on 01484 456868.
• An assistance dog exemption needs GP evidence; display the notice on the windscreen or dashboard.

Quick check

• Is there a Kirklees topography test? (No - English test plus theory training and test)
• What score is needed per module? (80%, with key questions all correct)
• What colour are Kirklees hackney carriages? (White)