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Course
The qualification Glasgow City Council requires before it will grant a taxi or private hire licence. Study nine short units online, at your own pace, with support from an approved Glasgow centre.
Whether you're driving a black cab or a private hire car, the Certificate in Introduction to the Role of the Professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver (SCQF Level 5) is what Glasgow City Council requires before it will grant your licence. You'll cover everything from passenger safety and customer service to the licensing rules in Scotland, plus a hands-on wheelchair-assistance assessment. You study online at your own pace, fitting it around work, and sit each exam when you're ready.
The course is made up of nine short units, each assessed by multiple-choice on a computer: you need 60% to pass, and if you don't manage it first time the resit is free. One unit, Mobility and Wheelchair Assistance, includes a hands-on practical. Here's the full syllabus:
There's no fixed timetable and no rush. Here's how getting qualified actually works, and where we help along the way.
We set you up on our online learning platform within a couple of days.
Work through them whenever suits you.
Whenever you want a hand, no appointment needed.
Sit them Monday to Wednesday, up to five in a week.
Your certificate is posted out once you're done. Don't pass a unit first time? The resit is free.
Most people who come to us haven't sat an exam in years, and that's completely normal, so you don't need to be "good at exams". If you don't pass first time, you retake, and it's included. The test isn't the thing to fear.
You learn from Arfan Ul-Haq (Qualification Scotland Coordinator), who's spent more than 13 years in Glasgow's taxi and private hire trade. Not a call centre, not a rota.
Not passing a unit first time costs you nothing. We'll just help you rebook it.
Come in on Thursdays and Fridays for help whenever you need it, no appointment needed.
We don't stop at the certificate: we'll help you prepare for your council hearing, and point you towards car rental and an accountant if you need them.
Highly recommended by Glasgow Cabs for driver training.
I gained a vast knowledge of private hire driver skills. On line learning was accessible and easy to use. The exams schedule was flexible and easy to agree. Staff support and help was more than excellent. I would highly recommend to work with the Glasgow Training Academy Ltd, if anyone would like to gain such a knowledge.
I had a great experience with Glasgow Training Academy. The course was well-organised, with clear guidelines and flexible study options. The staff were very friendly and supportive. The material was well-covered, making the exam easy to pass. Highly recommend!
I recently completed the Taxi Driving Course at GTA Academy and had a very positive experience. The course was well-structured, easy to follow, and covered all the essential knowledge needed to become a professional taxi or private hire driver.
If you're driving a taxi (Hackney), yes: it's a separate Glasgow City Council test, and we'll be offering preparation soon. If you're driving private hire, no: you don't need it.
From a couple of weeks up to three months. You go at your own pace.
The resit is free and we'll help you rebook it.
No. It's multiple-choice, 60% to pass, and resits are free. Most people who come to us haven't sat an exam in years.
You'll need to be 21+, have held a UK licence for at least a year, and bring photo ID (driving licence or passport) on exam day.
Get in touch and we'll talk you through it.
Send us an enquiry or speak to our team directly. We'll confirm your requirements, explain the course timeline, and guide you step by step.
Ready to get started?
Tell us the job or licence you're working towards and we'll help you get qualified.
0141 724 0000