Oldham licensing policy: questions and answers

1. What is the minimum age to apply for an Oldham Dual Driver Licence?

1. 18
2. 21 (correct answer)
3. 23
4. 25

Answer: B. 21. The policy says an applicant must be at least 21 when applying. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Application Requirements

2. How long must you have held a full GB driving licence when you apply?

1. At least 6 months
2. At least 2 years
3. At least 12 months (correct answer)
4. At least 3 years

Answer: C. At least 12 months. The October 2025 policy says at least 12 months. The earlier policy, and the Council's October 2024 guidance, said 2 years. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Driving Licence Requirements

3. When do you take the knowledge test?

1. Directly after the Driver Awareness Training (correct answer)
2. Before you apply for a licence
3. A week after the training
4. When you first renew

Answer: A. Directly after the Driver Awareness Training. The policy says the test directly follows the training course. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Knowledge Test

4. How long does the Driver Awareness Training last?

1. About 30 minutes
2. About 60 minutes
3. A full day
4. About 90 minutes (correct answer)

Answer: D. About 90 minutes. The policy says the training lasts about 90 minutes. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Knowledge Test

5. You have a test of 20 questions. How many must you get right to pass?

1. 12
2. 14
3. 15 (correct answer)
4. 16

Answer: C. 15. The policy says at least 15 of the 20 questions must be correct, which is 75%. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Knowledge Test

6. What happens if you fail the knowledge test 6 times?

1. You are banned from applying again for a period of five years
2. An authorised officer will consider refusing your application (correct answer)
3. You must pay for a private course
4. Your fee goes up each time you sit it

Answer: B. An authorised officer will consider refusing your application. The policy says the application is then referred to an authorised officer, who will consider refusing it. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Knowledge Test

7. At your New Driver Appointment you cannot hold a basic conversation in English. What happens?

1. The application is refused on the same day and you lose the fee
2. An interpreter is given to you for your test
3. You are referred for an assessment of your speaking skills (correct answer)
4. You pass to the training regardless

Answer: C. You are referred for an assessment of your speaking skills. The policy says the application is referred to an authorised officer for an assessment of verbal communication skills. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Language Proficiency

8. Your application is put on hold so you can take English lessons. How long can it stay open?

1. 1 month
2. 3 months
3. 6 months (correct answer)
4. 12 months

Answer: C. 6 months. The policy says up to 6 months from the first language assessment. After that the application is refused and you need to reapply. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Language Proficiency

9. You lived abroad for more than three continuous months. What might you need?

1. A letter from your landlord
2. A Certificate of Good Conduct, translated into English (correct answer)
3. A signed reference from your operator and from your last employer
4. A foreign driving licence, translated into English

Answer: B. A Certificate of Good Conduct, translated into English. You may need a Certificate of Good Conduct. The relevant Embassy or Consulate must authenticate it and translate it into English. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Application Requirements

10. How long do you have to join the DBS Update Service?

1. 7 days from your licence being granted
2. 14 days from the day of your first booking with an operator
3. 30 days from the date on your DBS certificate (correct answer)
4. 6 months from your last check

Answer: C. 30 days from the date on your DBS certificate. The policy says within 30 days of the date printed on the certificate. If you miss this, you need a new certificate. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Application Requirements

11. How often does the Council aim to check your DBS on the Update Service?

1. At least every week (correct answer)
2. Every 3 months
3. Every 6 months
4. Once a year

Answer: A. At least every week. By applying, you agree to checks at least weekly. The national standard is at least every 6 months, and the weekly checks give earlier warning if a subscription lapses. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Application Requirements

12. A DBS check on the Update Service shows new information. What happens to your Dual Driver Licence?

1. It carries on until your next renewal
2. You get 6 months to sort it out
3. It is cancelled and you may not reapply
4. It is suspended with immediate effect (correct answer)

Answer: D. It is suspended with immediate effect. The policy says the licence is suspended at once. You must produce a new DBS, and it stays suspended until the information has been considered. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Application Requirements

13. Who must make sure the DBS Update Service subscription stays live?

1. The licence holder (correct answer)
2. The Council
3. The operator
4. The company that did the check

Answer: A. The licence holder. The policy says it is your responsibility. The fee is charged to your registered card and is not a direct debit. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Application Requirements

14. You are 40. How often do you need a Group 2 medical?

1. Every year
2. Every 3 years
3. Every 5 years
4. Every 6 years (correct answer)

Answer: D. Every 6 years. The policy says on first application, then every 6 years until 65. From 65, a medical is needed every year. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Medical Standards

15. How old can a medical be when you hand it in?

1. No more than 1 month
2. No more than 3 months (correct answer)
3. No more than 6 months
4. No more than 12 months

Answer: B. No more than 3 months. Your medical must carry a date no more than 3 months before you hand it in. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Medical Standards

16. How long is a standard Oldham Dual Driver Licence?

1. 1 year
2. 2 years
3. 3 years (correct answer)
4. 5 years

Answer: C. 3 years. The policy says dual driver licences are granted for 3 years, with shorter periods in some cases, such as a trial after a hearing. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Duration of Licences

17. How early can you apply to renew your licence?

1. Up to 2 weeks before it ends
2. Up to 4 weeks before it ends
3. Up to 8 weeks before it ends (correct answer)
4. Up to 6 months before it ends

Answer: C. Up to 8 weeks before it ends. The Council's driver renewals page says you can apply up to 8 weeks before the licence ends. Oldham Council, Driver renewals

18. Your licence ended 10 days ago and you have not applied to renew. How must you apply?

1. As a new applicant (correct answer)
2. As a renewal, for the normal fee
3. As a renewal, with a late fee
4. You cannot apply for 12 months

Answer: A. As a new applicant. The grace period is 7 days. After more than 7 days, you must apply as a new applicant. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Breaks in Licence

19. Your licence ended 2 years ago and you apply again. Must you retake the training and test?

1. No, not for a break of less than 5 years (correct answer)
2. Yes, after any break
3. Yes, unless you passed first time
4. No, because once you pass you never have to retake it

Answer: A. No, not for a break of less than 5 years. The policy says the training and test are not needed where the break is less than 5 years. At 5 years or more, you must do them again. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Breaks in Licence

20. What level of proof does Oldham use to decide if a person is fit and proper?

1. Beyond reasonable doubt
2. The balance of probabilities (correct answer)
3. Only a criminal conviction
4. A majority vote of drivers

Answer: B. The balance of probabilities. The fitness policy says decisions use the balance of probabilities, and the applicant should not be given the benefit of the doubt. Oldham Fitness and Suitability Policy (2022), sections 2 and 4

21. Can Oldham consider information that did not lead to a conviction?

1. No, the Council may consider court convictions and nothing else
2. Only if the driver agrees
3. Only if it is under 12 months old
4. Yes, for example from the police or other agencies (correct answer)

Answer: D. Yes, for example from the police or other agencies. The fitness policy says the test is not based only on convictions. Non-conviction information can be considered. Oldham Fitness and Suitability Policy (2022), section 4

22. You have an old conviction from 15 years ago. Do you declare it to Oldham?

1. Yes, you must declare all convictions, spent or not (correct answer)
2. No, because any conviction is spent after ten years have passed
3. Only if it was for a driving offence
4. Only if an officer asks you

Answer: A. Yes, you must declare all convictions, spent or not. The October 2025 policy says driver applicants must declare all convictions, spent or otherwise, and the fitness policy says they are never spent. The Council's October 2024 guidance leaves out "protected" convictions, so ask the Council if you think that applies to you. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Application Requirements; Oldham Fitness and Suitability Policy (2022), Previous (spent) Convictions

23. How does the fitness policy treat a caution?

1. It ignores it
2. It ignores it after 12 months
3. It treats it as if it were a conviction (correct answer)
4. It treats it as a warning only, with no further effect on you

Answer: C. It treats it as if it were a conviction. The fitness policy says all cautions and endorsable fixed penalties are treated as though they were convictions. Oldham Fitness and Suitability Policy (2022), All Cautions and Endorsable Fixed Penalties

24. A person has one conviction for theft, 4 years ago. What does the policy say about a licence?

1. It will be granted if they apologise
2. It will be refused until 7 years have passed (correct answer)
3. It will be limited to private hire work only, for the first 3 years
4. It will be refused for life

Answer: B. It will be refused until 7 years have passed. Schedule A says that where a dishonesty conviction is less than 7 years old, the application is refused or the licence revoked. With more than one, the period is 10 years. Oldham Fitness and Suitability Policy (2022), schedule A

25. There is evidence that a licence holder is involved in child sexual exploitation. What may happen?

1. A written warning first
2. A retest on safeguarding
3. Nothing can happen to the licence unless there is a conviction
4. The licence may be revoked with immediate effect (correct answer)

Answer: D. The licence may be revoked with immediate effect. Schedule D says such evidence leads to immediate consideration of fit and proper status and may mean immediate revocation. Oldham Fitness and Suitability Policy (2022), schedule D

26. You get six penalty points in a 3-year period for minor offences. What does Oldham say?

1. The Council will consider if a hearing is needed (correct answer)
2. Nothing, because points do not matter until you reach 12 of them
3. Your licence ends on that day
4. You must retake the knowledge test

Answer: A. The Council will consider if a hearing is needed. Schedule F says that at six or more points in a three-year period, the Council will consider a hearing on whether you are fit and proper. Oldham Fitness and Suitability Policy (2022), schedule F

27. Your licence was revoked 6 months ago. You apply again and nothing has changed. What normally happens?

1. It is granted after a new test
2. It is refused, as it is within 12 months (correct answer)
3. It is granted for one year only, after you take a new test
4. It is sent to the police to decide

Answer: B. It is refused, as it is within 12 months. The fitness policy says a new application within 12 months of the decision is normally refused unless there are substantial material changes. Oldham Fitness and Suitability Policy (2022), Reapplication

28. You disagree with a decision to refuse your licence. Where can you appeal, and how long do you have?

1. To the Licensing Committee, within 7 days
2. To the DVLA, within 14 days
3. To the Magistrates' Court, within 21 days (correct answer)
4. To the Crown Court, within 6 months of the decision in writing

Answer: C. To the Magistrates' Court, within 21 days. The policy describes a 21-day appeal period, and appeals go to the Magistrates' Court. Further appeal to the Crown Court is possible. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 6, Rights of Appeal

29. What does the dress code say about clothing in general?

1. It must be a company uniform, worn on every shift
2. It must be in good condition (correct answer)
3. It must be black or dark blue
4. It must be new each year

Answer: B. It must be in good condition. The policy says clothing must be in good condition and drivers must keep good standards of personal hygiene. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Dress Code

30. A driver wants to work in a football team shirt. What does the dress code say?

1. It is not acceptable (correct answer)
2. It is acceptable if it is clean
3. It is acceptable at weekends
4. It is acceptable on match days

Answer: A. It is not acceptable. Sportswear such as football and rugby kits, including team shirts, is listed as unacceptable. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Dress Code

31. Which of these is acceptable under the dress code?

1. A team rugby shirt
2. Beachwear
3. A tracksuit (correct answer)
4. Sandals with no heel strap

Answer: C. A tracksuit. Tracksuits are named as acceptable, unlike team kits, beachwear and sandals with no heel strap. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Dress Code

32. What does the dress code say about shoes?

1. They must be black, with laces, and polished for each shift
2. They must have laces
3. They must be steel-toe
4. They must be secure around the toe and heel (correct answer)

Answer: D. They must be secure around the toe and heel. The policy says footwear must fit securely around the toe and heel. Flip flops are not acceptable. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Dress Code

33. Are shorts allowed for drivers at work?

1. No, never
2. Yes, if they are knee length (correct answer)
3. Yes, any length of shorts during the summer
4. Only for female drivers

Answer: B. Yes, if they are knee length. The policy says knee-length shorts are acceptable for all drivers. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Dress Code

34. A driver wears a hood that hides much of their face. What does the dress code say?

1. Acceptable at night
2. Acceptable in rain
3. Not acceptable if it may hide their vision or identity (correct answer)
4. Not acceptable for private hire drivers, but fine for hackney drivers

Answer: C. Not acceptable if it may hide their vision or identity. The policy lists any hood or clothing that may obscure the driver's vision or identity as unacceptable. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Dress Code

35. A driver wears clothing for religious reasons that is different from the minimum standard. What does the dress code say?

1. Exceptions for faith or disability are accepted (correct answer)
2. It is banned
3. They need an exemption from the police
4. It is allowed only when the driver works outside the borough

Answer: A. Exceptions for faith or disability are accepted. The dress code allows for differences based on faith or disability. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Dress Code

36. Does the Council require a distinct uniform?

1. Yes, for all drivers
2. Yes, for hackney drivers only
3. Yes, for private hire drivers only
4. No, it does not (correct answer)

Answer: D. No, it does not. The policy says the dress code does not require a distinct uniform, but it encourages supporting a company's uniform where one is required. Oldham Licensing Policy (October 2025), section 3, Dress Code