Information for Driver Modular Training
What is Driver Modular Training?
As part of the conditions of holding a licence, all drivers are required to maintain up to date knowledge and demonstrate ongoing compliance with the standards set by the Licensing Service. This includes completing mandatory training to ensure drivers continue to drive safely, professionally, and in line with legal and safeguarding responsibilities. These requirements help protect both passengers and drivers and ensure a consistently high level of service across the district.
Our Driver Modular Training is now provided through our online platform, Open Elms, making the process more accessible, flexible, and convenient for all participants.
All drivers are required to complete this training at the initial stage of their application and then every three years thereafter.
What does the Driver Modular Training consist of?
Private Hire Drivers
Will need to complete the following modules:
- District Awareness
- HCPH- Customer Service
- Personal Safety
- Disability Awareness
- Licensing Compliance
- Vehicle Safety
- Road Safety
- Modular training assessment.
- CSE training and assessment.
Hackney Carriage Drivers
Will need to complete the following modules:
- HCPH- Customer Service
- Personal Safety
- Disability Awareness
- Licensing Compliance
- Vehicle Safety
- Road Safety
- Wheelchair Safety
- Modular training assessment.
- Knowledge Test
- CSE training and assessment.
These modules will give you the essential knowledge and skills to work safely, legally, and professionally. They help you provide better customer service, understand your responsibilities, stay aware of risks, and respond confidently to real situations you may face once you begin driving.
What is the fee for this Training and how long does it last?
The cost of the Driver Modular Training is £56, and your training remains valid for three years. During this time, licensed drivers will continue to have free access to all additional learning resources available on the training platform. This extended library will include a range of helpful training packages supplied by trusted external partners, such as the police, to support you in delivering a safe, professional, and compliant service.
I am a current driver, and I have already completed my Driver Modular Training previously; do I need to complete this again?
Yes. All drivers are required to complete their Driver Modular Training every three years. When your training is due, you will receive an email containing the relevant link and instructions for completion.
How do I complete the Training?
New Drivers
You will receive a link to complete your Driver Modular training once your application has passed the initial stages of processing, and all supporting documentation you were required to upload with your application has been checked and verified.
Renewal / Current Drivers
You will receive an email invitation from OpenELMS when you are due to complete your training. Once you receive your invitation, you have 3 months to complete your training, otherwise your access will expire.
Please note: If your Driver Modular Training has expired and your licence is due for renewal within the next 3 months, you will need to complete your Modular Training before your badge can be issued.
Invitations are sent 3 months before your licence expiry date to give you enough time to complete the required modules before renewal.
Your invitation will also include a helpful quick start guide to help you log in and complete the training, and there are also useful guides on Open Elms to help you navigate the system.
I have completed my Driver Modular Training, what do I do next?
Once you have completed your Driver Modular Training, you will be able to download a copy of your certificates.
You will receive a certificate for Driver Modular Training & a separate certificate for CSE.
You do not need to email these certificates to the licensing service. Please keep them safe and a member of the Licensing team will request them from you when required.
Do I require additional training to carry wheelchair passengers?
Any driver who wishes to operate a wheelchair-accessible vehicle must complete the wheelchair training theory on our online platform, Open Elms. In addition to the online theory, you are also required to attend an in person wheelchair practical assessment with a member of our Compliance Team to successfully complete the course.
Please note: Your wheelchair training is not considered fully complete until you have passed the practical assessment.
You will receive a certificate of completion once you have finished the online theory module; however, you do not need to provide this to the Licensing Service. We will verify your theory completion internally and arrange for you to attend the next available in person wheelchair practical assessment.
The wheelchair training is free of charge. Please contact [email protected] if you require the above training.
I am experiencing issues when I attempt to complete my Training.
When you receive your link to complete training, this will also include instructions on how to log in, along with a useful help guide to assist you.
Please follow all instructions in the email and help guide. Please ensure you complete this training on Google Chrome or Edge.
You will also need to ensure that Pop-ups are enable on the device you are using before you complete your training. You will not be able to launch your assessments if pop-ups are disabled on your device.
If you are still experiencing issues, please email [email protected] and a member of the team will assist you further.
Fees
Hackney Carriage fare card (PDF)
Conditions and standards
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire - conditions and standards (PDF, 755kb)
Commercial advertising guidance
Service Level Agreements – Renewal Applications
You can view our service level agreement for driver renewal applications which was previously agreed with the licensed trade in November 2020.