Solihull vehicle maintenance: questions and answers

1. When must a driver do the walkaround check?

1. Once a week
2. Each day before taking charge of the vehicle (correct answer)
3. At the end of each shift
4. Only in the week before the vehicle test is due

Answer: B. Each day before taking charge of the vehicle. The conditions require a walkaround check each day, before the driver takes charge of the vehicle. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 16

2. How long must walkaround check records be kept?

1. 6 months
2. 12 months
3. 15 months (correct answer)
4. 3 years

Answer: C. 15 months. The records must be kept for at least 15 months and shown to an authorised officer on request. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 16

3. What condition must a licensed vehicle be kept in?

1. Fit for an MOT only
2. As good as a new vehicle from the manufacturer
3. As it was when last approved on inspection (correct answer)
4. As the owner thinks is safe

Answer: C. As it was when last approved on inspection. The vehicle must be kept in the condition it was in when the licensing authority last approved it on inspection. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 15

4. What tread depth must each tyre have at the vehicle test?

1. More than 1mm
2. More than 1.6mm
3. More than 2mm (correct answer)
4. More than 3mm

Answer: C. More than 2mm. Solihull asks for more than 2mm of tread on each of the four tyres. Solihull policy 2026, Annex B, item 8

5. Your vehicle has no spare wheel. What must you make sure of?

1. That a garage is always near
2. That your operator can send someone to help you at any time
3. That passengers know the risk
4. That it can be driven safely and legally after a puncture (correct answer)

Answer: D. That it can be driven safely and legally after a puncture. Provision must be made so the vehicle can be driven safely and legally following a puncture. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 20

6. One seat in your vehicle has a small tear. Does this meet the interior standard?

1. Yes, if it is on a back seat
2. No, seats must be free of splits and tears (correct answer)
3. Yes, if it is covered up
4. Yes, until the next test

Answer: B. No, seats must be free of splits and tears. The interior must be free of splits and tears to the seats, and free of stains to the upholstery. Solihull policy 2026, Annex B, item 5

7. Which of these breaks the rules for the outside of a licensed vehicle?

1. Visible rust on a door (correct answer)
2. Road dirt after a storm
3. A manufacturer’s paint colour
4. A clean, uniform finish

Answer: A. Visible rust on a door. The exterior must be free of visible rust and large or sharp-edged dents. Officers may use discretion on cleanliness in bad weather. Solihull policy 2026, Annex B, item 4

8. You buy a brand-new vehicle to license. Does it need a vehicle test?

1. No, for its first three years
2. No, if it has a dealer certificate
3. No, it only needs an MOT later
4. Yes, all vehicles need one (correct answer)

Answer: D. Yes, all vehicles need one. All vehicles need the test whatever their age, including brand-new ones. Solihull policy 2026, Annex B, opening line

9. What is the supplementary test?

1. A detailed mechanical inspection as well as the MOT (correct answer)
2. A second driving test for the driver of the vehicle you license
3. A check of your insurance only
4. A test of the taximeter only

Answer: A. A detailed mechanical inspection as well as the MOT. As well as an MOT, the test centre does a detailed mechanical inspection, called the supplementary test. Solihull policy 2026, section 8.2

10. How long are the vehicle test papers valid for?

1. 5 working days
2. 10 working days (correct answer)
3. 28 days
4. 3 months

Answer: B. 10 working days. The test papers are valid for only 10 working days. Solihull policy 2026, section 8.2

11. Your MOT certificate has some advisory comments. What must happen before the vehicle is licensed?

1. They must be put right (correct answer)
2. You must sign to accept them
3. Your operator must agree
4. Nothing, as it is only advice

Answer: A. They must be put right. Any advisory matters on the MOT certificate should be put right before the vehicle is licensed. Solihull policy 2026, Annex B, item 6

12. Will Solihull license a vehicle that was once declared a write-off?

1. Yes, if it is a low category
2. Yes, once it has been repaired
3. No, whatever the category (correct answer)
4. Yes, if it passes an MOT

Answer: C. No, whatever the category. The Council will not license a declared write-off, regardless of the category. Solihull policy 2026, section 8.3

13. How recent must the HPI vehicle history report be?

1. Dated within one week
2. Dated within one month (correct answer)
3. Dated within six months
4. Dated within one year

Answer: B. Dated within one month. The report is accepted only if it is dated within one month, and it is needed every time, for new licences and renewals. Solihull policy 2026, section 8.3

14. How long is a Solihull vehicle licence normally granted for?

1. Six months
2. One year (correct answer)
3. Three years
4. Five years

Answer: B. One year. A vehicle licence lasts one year and runs with the MOT date. Solihull policy 2026, section 10.1

15. What is the lowest Euro NCAP safety rating a licensed vehicle may have?

1. 2 stars
2. 3 stars
3. 4 stars (correct answer)
4. 5 stars

Answer: C. 4 stars. The vehicle specification asks for a Euro NCAP rating of at least 4 stars. Solihull policy 2026, Annex B, item 1

16. You sell your licensed vehicle and want to license a different one. What must be true of the new one?

1. It must be electric
2. It must be under three years old
3. It must have a lower mileage
4. It must be registered at least 6 months later than the last one (correct answer)

Answer: D. It must be registered at least 6 months later than the last one. The registration date must be at least six months newer than the vehicle you licensed before, so the fleet keeps getting younger. Solihull policy 2026, section 12.8

17. What is the smallest range an electric vehicle may have to be licensed?

1. 50 miles
2. 86 miles (correct answer)
3. 100 miles
4. 150 miles

Answer: B. 86 miles. An electric vehicle must be able to travel at least 86 miles on a full charge. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 32

18. Where does the exterior licence plate go?

1. On the rear windscreen, where following drivers can see it
2. On the front bumper
3. Fixed to the rear of the vehicle, not the rear windscreen (correct answer)
4. On the passenger door

Answer: C. Fixed to the rear of the vehicle, not the rear windscreen. The exterior plate must be securely fixed to the rear exterior, must not cover the registration plate, and must not be on the rear windscreen. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 25

19. Where does the interior plate go in a private hire vehicle?

1. On the driver’s side of the dashboard
2. On the near side of the windscreen (correct answer)
3. On the back of the driver’s seat
4. In the glove box

Answer: B. On the near side of the windscreen. It goes on the near side of the windscreen, where people inside and outside can clearly see it. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 28

20. Where does the interior plate go in a hackney carriage?

1. On the partition behind the driver (correct answer)
2. On the near side of the windscreen
3. On the rear window
4. On the roof sign

Answer: A. On the partition behind the driver. It is fixed to the partition that separates the driver from the passengers. Solihull policy 2026, Annex F, condition 24

21. You finish work for the day. May you take the licence plates off?

1. Yes, at any time you are not working
2. Yes, at weekends
3. Yes, if you tell your operator you have finished work
4. No, unless the Council gives written permission (correct answer)

Answer: D. No, unless the Council gives written permission. The exterior plate must not be removed without written or electronic permission, and the Council says plates must stay on when you are not working. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 27

22. A driver wants to hang an air freshener from the rear-view mirror. What applies?

1. Nothing may hang from the mirror (correct answer)
2. Allowed if it is small
3. Allowed if it does not swing
4. Allowed in the daytime

Answer: A. Nothing may hang from the mirror. Nothing at all may hang from the rear-view mirror or be fixed to it. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 19

23. An owner wants to add a sticker advertising a local shop. What applies?

1. Allowed on the back window
2. Allowed if the shop pays the Council
3. Not unless the Council has authorised it or the law requires it (correct answer)
4. Allowed if it is under A4 size

Answer: C. Not unless the Council has authorised it or the law requires it. No signs, notices or advertisements may be displayed unless the licensing authority has authorised them or the law requires them. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 18

24. Where must a phone used for work be fitted in the vehicle?

1. On the driver’s knee or lap
2. Loose on the passenger seat
3. At the top of the windscreen, in the driver’s direct line of view
4. Securely fixed, without blocking the driver’s view or control (correct answer)

Answer: D. Securely fixed, without blocking the driver’s view or control. Any such device must be securely fixed, in a place that does not impair the driver’s view or control while moving. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 21

25. A vehicle licence expires and is not being renewed. How long does the owner have to return the plates?

1. Immediately
2. 48 hours
3. 7 days (correct answer)
4. 28 days

Answer: C. 7 days. Plates go back within seven days of expiry. If the licence is suspended or revoked, they go back immediately. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 9

26. Your vehicle is in a minor road traffic collision. How soon must the Council be told?

1. As soon as you can, within 72 hours at most (correct answer)
2. Within 7 days
3. Within 14 days
4. Only if someone is hurt or the vehicle cannot be driven

Answer: A. As soon as you can, within 72 hours at most. Any road traffic collision involving the vehicle must be emailed in as soon as reasonably practicable, and within 72 hours at most. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 7

27. After a collision the vehicle cannot be driven. What must you send the Council?

1. Only the MOT certificate
2. Photos of the damage, plus a report if required (correct answer)
3. A new application form
4. A letter from your operator explaining what happened

Answer: B. Photos of the damage, plus a report if required. Send photos showing the damage. The Council may also ask for a report from an engineer or the recovery company. Solihull policy 2026, section 12.5

28. The Council suspends your vehicle licence after a collision. What must you do with the plates?

1. Keep them safe at home
2. Leave them on the vehicle
3. Give them to the repairer
4. Bring both plates back to the Council (correct answer)

Answer: D. Bring both plates back to the Council. You must bring both plates back, and they are filed until the repair is done. Solihull policy 2026, section 12.5

29. What happens if the repairs are not finished within two calendar months?

1. You pay a fine
2. The licence is revoked automatically (correct answer)
3. You get a further two months
4. You must retake your training course and pay the fee

Answer: B. The licence is revoked automatically. If repairs are not completed within two calendar months, the licence is automatically revoked. Solihull policy 2026, section 12.5

30. You are asked to bring your vehicle for a spot check. What could happen if you do not?

1. Nothing, as checks are optional
2. A small charge on your next renewal
3. You must then pay for a full new MOT and supplementary test
4. You could be investigated for obstruction (correct answer)

Answer: D. You could be investigated for obstruction. Presenting the vehicle is a must. If you do not, you could face an investigation for obstruction. Solihull policy 2026, section 12.6

31. An authorised officer asks for a copy of your insurance certificate. How long does the proprietor have to send it?

1. 24 hours
2. 48 hours (correct answer)
3. 7 days
4. 14 days

Answer: B. 48 hours. The certificate must reach the authorised officer within 48 hours of any request. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 10

32. You hire your licensed vehicle to another driver. How long must you keep records of who used it, and when?

1. 3 months
2. 6 months
3. 12 months (correct answer)
4. 15 months

Answer: C. 12 months. You must keep these records for at least 12 months. Tell the Council before the hire with an ‘On Hire’ form and proof of insurance. Solihull policy 2026, Annex D, condition 30

33. What must a vehicle be like when it is first licensed as a Solihull hackney carriage?

1. Under three years old
2. Under five years old
3. Under 30,000 miles
4. Brand new, with delivery mileage only (correct answer)

Answer: D. Brand new, with delivery mileage only. A vehicle licensed as a hackney carriage for the first time must be brand new with delivery mileage only. Solihull policy 2026, Annex B, item 18

34. What kind of wheelchair access must a Solihull hackney carriage have?

1. Rear-loading
2. Side-loading (correct answer)
3. A wheelchair stored in the boot
4. A swivel seat only

Answer: B. Side-loading. All must be side-loading wheelchair accessible vehicles, able to carry a reference wheelchair. Solihull policy 2026, Annex B, item 20

35. How often must a hackney carriage taximeter be calibrated?

1. Every month
2. Every six months
3. Every year (correct answer)
4. Every three years

Answer: C. Every year. Once a year the meter must be calibrated. It must also be on the current tariff and sealed so nobody can tamper with it. Solihull policy 2026, Annex B, item 22

36. The Council brings in a new fare tariff. How long do you have to set the meter to it?

1. 14 days
2. 21 days
3. 28 days (correct answer)
4. 3 months

Answer: C. 28 days. The meter must show the current approved tariff within 28 days of it starting. Solihull policy 2026, Annex F, condition 30

37. Where must the fare table be displayed?

1. In the passenger compartment, easy to read (correct answer)
2. On the outside of the rear door
3. At the operator’s office
4. In the glove box, on request

Answer: A. In the passenger compartment, easy to read. The current fare table must be inside the passenger compartment, where passengers can read it clearly. Solihull policy 2026, Annex F, condition 31

38. You are waiting for a fare and the taxi is not hired. What must the meter be?

1. Running on tariff one
2. Switched off (correct answer)
3. Set to the minimum fare
4. Showing the last fare

Answer: B. Switched off. The taximeter must be switched off when the vehicle is not hired. Solihull policy 2026, Annex F, condition 32

39. When must the illuminated roof sign be switched off?

1. At the end of the shift
2. After dark
3. As soon as the vehicle is hired (correct answer)
4. When you pass a rank with other taxis already waiting

Answer: C. As soon as the vehicle is hired. The roof sign tells people the taxi is free. Turn it off the moment the taxi is hired. Solihull policy 2026, Annex F, condition 33

40. Once hired, which route must you take?

1. The quickest one, even if it costs the passenger a bit more
2. The shortest available, unless the hirer says otherwise (correct answer)
3. The one with less traffic
4. The one the meter suggests

Answer: B. The shortest available, unless the hirer says otherwise. You must go to the destination by the shortest available route, unless the hirer directs otherwise. Solihull policy 2026, Annex F, condition 35

41. You find a passenger’s wallet in your hackney carriage and cannot return it. What must you do?

1. Keep it for 28 days
2. Give it to another driver
3. Leave it at the nearest rank
4. Hand it to the Licensing Authority within 72 hours and get a receipt (correct answer)

Answer: D. Hand it to the Licensing Authority within 72 hours and get a receipt. If you cannot return it, hand it in within 72 hours with details of when you found it and the journey, and get a receipt. Solihull policy 2026, Annex F, condition 41