TDVL Key Study Areas 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under TDVL regulations, how often must the taxi meter be re-calibrated or tested?
- Every 5 years
- Only when the fare schedule changes or as required by the licensing authority (Correct answer)
- Monthly by the driver
- Annually by the passenger authority
Correct answer: Only when the fare schedule changes or as required by the licensing authority
Meters must be tested and sealed by an approved authority whenever the fare schedule changes or as directed by the licensing body.
Question 2: What action should a driver take if their TDVL is suspended?
- Continue driving until the written notice arrives
- Cease taxi operations immediately (Correct answer)
- Drive only during daytime hours
- Request a 30-day grace period from the operator
Correct answer: Cease taxi operations immediately
A suspended TDVL means the driver must stop operating as a for-hire driver immediately until the licence is reinstated.
Question 3: Which scenario is an example of unlawful discrimination under passenger transport laws?
- Refusing a fare beyond the licensed operating area
- Refusing to transport a passenger because of their race (Correct answer)
- Declining a passenger who is visibly intoxicated and aggressive
- Noting a passenger's destination before they board
Correct answer: Refusing to transport a passenger because of their race
Refusing a fare based on protected characteristics such as race is unlawful discrimination under anti-discrimination legislation.
Question 4: A passenger vomits in your taxi. Which of the following is correct regarding a cleaning fee?
- No fee can ever be charged
- A cleaning surcharge may be applied as permitted by the licensing authority (Correct answer)
- The passenger must clean the vehicle themselves
- The driver must absorb all costs
Correct answer: A cleaning surcharge may be applied as permitted by the licensing authority
Most licensing authorities permit a reasonable cleaning surcharge when a passenger causes soiling, provided it is disclosed and authorised.
Question 5: When picking up a street hail, the driver must:
- Negotiate a flat rate before starting the trip
- Engage the meter at the start of the journey (Correct answer)
- Ask for payment upfront
- Record the passenger's ID
Correct answer: Engage the meter at the start of the journey
The meter must be engaged at the beginning of the trip for all street hails to ensure the regulated fare applies.
Question 6: What does 'duty of care' mean for a taxi driver?
- The obligation to report all trips to the licensing authority
- The legal responsibility to ensure passenger safety during the journey (Correct answer)
- The requirement to carry first-aid supplies at all times
- The duty to accept every fare offered
Correct answer: The legal responsibility to ensure passenger safety during the journey
Duty of care requires the driver to take reasonable steps to keep passengers safe throughout the journey.
Question 7: A passenger makes a formal complaint about your driving. The licensing authority will most likely:
- Dismiss it without investigation
- Investigate the complaint and may impose sanctions (Correct answer)
- Automatically suspend your licence pending a hearing
- Notify your employer only, with no further action
Correct answer: Investigate the complaint and may impose sanctions
The licensing authority has the power to investigate complaints and impose sanctions ranging from warnings to licence revocation.
TDVL Key Study Areas 3
Under TDVL regulations, how often must the taxi meter be re-calibrated or tested?