Solihull — Complete 2026 Knowledge Test Guide
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Licensing. Focus: Customer Service, Communication & Fit-and-Proper Conduct
The Solihull knowledge test is a mandatory assessment for all applicants for a Solihull hackney carriage or private hire driver licence. It tests your understanding of licensing law, driver conduct, safeguarding, equality duties and local topography.
Key facts
- Issued by: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Licensing.
- Cost: £40 knowledge test fee.
- Attempts: 3 attempts; resit fee applies.
- Closed book unless otherwise stated by the licensing officer.
- Bring photo ID and your application reference on the day.
| Section | Questions | Marks each | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer service & communication | 10 | 1 mark | Greeting, complaints, conflict de-escalation. |
| Fit & proper / driver conduct | 8 | 1 mark | Suitability test, criminal record disclosure, professional standards. |
| Licensing law | 7 | 1 mark | PHV vs Hackney, pre-booking, plate display, working from a licensed operator. |
| Topography (Solihull) | 5 | 1 mark | Town centre, NEC, Birmingham Airport, M42. |
You need 75% to pass.
Fit & Proper Person Test
Statutory standards for taxi & PHV licensing — DBS, conviction policy, behaviour.
Customer Communication
Greeting, confirming destination, dealing with complaints, dress code.
Conflict De-escalation
Handling intoxicated, aggressive or distressed passengers safely.
Licensing Conditions
Solihull MBC byelaws, plate visibility, smoking ban, no eating in vehicle.
Equality Act
Assistance dogs, wheelchair users, no surcharge for disability.
Airport & NEC Working
Marshalling, ranks, pre-booked drop-off zones, holding area protocol.
- Always pick the answer that prioritises the passenger's experience and safety.
- Learn the Fit & Proper statutory standards by heart — at least 4 marks every sitting.
- For complaints questions, the right answer always involves logging and escalating to the operator.
- For airport / NEC questions, learn the holding areas and pickup zones, not just the postcodes.
- Be polite, be professional, never refuse without lawful reason — this is the Solihull mindset.
- 1
Arguing with passengers
The right answer is always to remain calm, log it, and report to the operator.
- 2
Refusing short fares
You cannot refuse a fare without lawful reason. This affects your fit & proper status.
- 3
Picking up at the airport without a booking
Birmingham Airport requires pre-booked PHV pickups in designated zones only.
- 4
Underestimating the conduct section
Solihull places heavy weight on professional behaviour — not just law.
- Read the Solihull council handbook section by section.
- Practise UKPHD's Solihull mock test in Practice Mode until you score 90%+.
- Switch to Exam Mode (timed, randomised) at least 5 times before your sitting.
- Review every wrong answer — find the rule in the handbook before moving on.
- For topography, drive (or virtually drive) the routes — don't just memorise postcodes.
Ready to practise?
Try the Solihull mock test in Practice or Exam Mode now.