Solihull PHV Test — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions drivers ask most about the Solihull PHV test and the licensing process behind it. For the full picture, see our guides on passing the Solihull PHV test and applying for a Solihull PHV licence.
About the test
How many questions are on the Solihull taxi badge test?
48 questions — 8 on each of the six subjects covered by the training course. You need 36 correct (75%) to pass, and the test is allowed 60 minutes.
Does the Solihull test have key questions like Wolverhampton?
No. Solihull marks the paper on your overall score alone. There is no set of key questions where a single wrong answer fails the whole paper — that rule belongs to Wolverhampton's test, which is a different paper under different rules.
What format are the questions?
A combination of spoken, written and multiple-choice. Because part of it is spoken, being able to explain your reasoning matters — not just recognising the right option.
When do I get my result?
Within 5 working days. Your certificate needs to be less than 12 months old when you apply for your licence.
What happens if I fail?
Solihull states you may retake the whole course or just the test, and that a fee will be payable. The council doesn't publish that fee on its driver licence guide, so check the current amount with the licensing team.
About applying
What DBS check do I need?
An enhanced disclosure — basic and standard are not accepted. It must be for the occupation of taxi/private hire driver under "other workforce" and include a check of both the adults' and children's barred lists. Solihull uses TaxiPlus, and you must subscribe to the DBS update service within 30 days of the certificate being issued.
What medical do I need?
You must meet DVLA Group 2 medical standards, assessed by a GMC registered medical practitioner on the council's own form. The certificate should be dated within 1 month of your application.
What is the Blue Lamp Trust assessment?
A practical driving assessment that Solihull requires before you apply, delivered by Blue Lamp Trust. The certificate needs to be less than 12 months old when you apply.
Do I need an HMRC tax check?
Only if you currently hold a private hire or hackney carriage licence, or held one within the last 12 months — those codes expire after 120 days. If you've never held one, you sign a declaration confirming that instead.
How do I book my appointment?
Email licensing@solihull.gov.uk with your full name, date of birth, mobile number and the reason for the appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted.
About the app
Are the practice questions specific to Solihull?
Yes. Every question in the app's Solihull mode is built from official Solihull Council source material — council policy documents, licensing handbooks and relevant UK legislation. This isn't generic PHV content.
Are the questions regularly updated?
Yes. Questions are updated as Solihull Council publishes new material, and Premium includes all future updates for life — no extra charge.
Will mock exams just repeat the same questions?
No. Each mock exam pulls 48 questions — 8 from each of the six categories — from the full 300+ question bank, so you get a different paper every time. All questions are distinct: no padding or rephrased duplicates.
Is this useful if I've already failed the test?
Especially then. The pass mark is 36 out of 48 (75%), and you need a solid spread across all six categories. The app tracks your score by category so you can see exactly where you're dropping marks and focus your revision there.
Do you have pass rate statistics?
No, and we won't invent one. We can't verify what happens after someone leaves the app and sits the real test. Anyone quoting you a percentage for something like this is guessing.
PHV Prep UK is on the App Store and Google Play.
Official sources
- Solihull Council — Taxi licensing
- Solihull Council — Private hire and hackney carriage driver licence guide
PHV Prep UK is an independent study aid. It is not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council or any licensing authority. Always check the council's official guidance for the latest test requirements and fees.