The Department of the Environment issued a consultation document on 31 May 2013, seeking views on a number of proposals for change to the Approved Driving Instructor/Approved Motorcycle Instructor schemes operating in Northern Ireland.

The responses received indicated broad support from the industry to the consultation proposals. I can advise that the legislative amendments required to implement the agreed changes will come into effect on 28 February 2015.

The hazard perception part of the driving theory test has been updated using computer generated imagery (CGI). This will help ensure candidates' awareness of risk is tested in modern driving environments that are more like real world situations.

A new theory test has been introduced for anyone applying to become a taxi driver. It is in two parts. You must have passed both parts of the taxi theory test before you can apply for the practical test.
What happens during the test?

There is a two stage application process for first time applications. Applications usually take 12 weeks to process. To obtain a taxi driving licence first time applicants must.

• Have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years.
• Be eligible to work within Northern Ireland.
• Meet the necessary medical requirements.
• Meet the necessary good repute requirements.
• Have pass a taxi driver theory and practical test

First stage

New applications for a taxi driver licence will include checks on previous convictions, health and the length of time you have held a driving licence. In addition to the application form you must complete an enhanced disclosure application form for Access NI and return it to Passenger Transport Licensing Division (PTLD) with the necessary identification documents, you don't have to pay any additional fee. Further information on new taxi tests can be found in the manual.

Driver Requirements 

Any person driving a public service vehicle must be the holder of an appropriate licence. Most drivers who don't hold the appropriate licence also don't have insurance cover and this can, upon conviction, result in a
£5,000 fine and ,6-8 penalty points. The type of licence required depends on the number of passenger seats in the vehicle being hired.

Drivers of vehicles with 8 passenger seats or fewer are required to hold a valid taxi driver's licence. This
licence is only issued to drivers who have had their repute checked to ensure that they are a fit and proper person to hold a taxi driver's licence. This gives passengers some level of assurance that they will be
transported in relative safety.

The driver of a vehicle that is being used for weddings or funerals does not have to wear a taxi driver's badge. However, you can ask to see the driver's proof of licensing when booking the vehicle, or when it picks you up. A driver who is detected without the appropriate taxi driver's licence can, upon conviction, be
fined £1,000 and awarded 3-6 penalty points.