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English language test

Payment system downtime, 
2 November 2026

Due to essential maintenance, our payment system will be unavailable from Friday 30 October 2026 until Tuesday 3 November 2026.

During this period, we will be unable to accept any payments. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience.

If you want to become a taxi driver in Bath and North East Somerset, you must pass an English language test. You need to pass this test before you submit an application for a licence.

Why we have the English language test

To be a taxi driver, you must be able to speak clearly with passengers, council officers and the public.

You will need to have the communication skills to:

  • Carry out day-to-day business
  • Understand licensing requirements
  • Speak with the Emergency Services in the event of an emergency situation

The English language test allows us to see that you can do all of this effectively.

Price

An English language test costs £131.

You will need to pay for this using our online payments system.

Once we receive your payment, we will contact you to book the test.

A guide to the English language test

We will conduct the English language test remotely using Zoom or WhatsApp.

The English language test includes 6 parts:

  • Reading
  • Repeating
  • Questions
  • Sentence building
  • Story retelling
  • Open questions

The instructor will give you instructions for each part during the test.

You will need to speak naturally during the call,  and do the following:

  • Talk at a normal speed and volume
  • Speak like you are talking to a normal person on the phone