Mauritius Police Oral Test on Taxi Regulations (Taxi Driving Licence)

Under regulation 81 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2010, what minimum depth must the visible tread pattern of a taxi's tyre have throughout its breadth and around its entire circumference?

• A1.0 mm
• B2.0 mm
• C1.6 mm
• D3.0 mm

Annex A starts with vehicle safety checks, including tyre condition and pressure. When should a taxi driver check tyre pressures to get an accurate reading?

• AWhen the tyres are cold, before the taxi has been driven
• BStraight after a long, fast motorway journey
• CAfter the taxi has stood for several hours in direct sunlight
• DOnly when a passenger notices the car leaning to one side

What is the purpose of the tread wear indicators moulded into the main grooves of a car tyre?

• AThey add extra grip by biting into the road when braking in the wet
• BThey let water circulate through the tyre to cool it on long trips
• CThey show the maximum load the tyre may carry when the taxi is full
• DThey show when the tread has worn to about the 1.6 mm legal minimum

Which tyre defect makes it unlawful to use the taxi under regulation 81 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2010?

• ASmall stones lodged between the tread blocks
• BA bulge in the sidewall caused by separation of the tyre's internal structure
• CA directional tyre fitted so that it turns the way its rotation arrow points
• DTread 3.5 mm deep across all the ribs

Annex A asks about the lights on a vehicle dashboard and their different colours. What does a red warning light that stays on while the engine is running normally mean?

• AA serious fault or safety problem: stop as soon as it is safe and investigate
• BAn advisory reminder that can wait until the next routine service
• CThat the main-beam headlamps are switched on
• DThat a convenience feature, such as the heated rear window demister, is switched on

While you are carrying passengers on the motorway, the red oil-pressure warning light comes on. What should you do?

• ASpeed up to finish the trip before the engine runs out of oil
• BCarry on to the passengers' destination, then check the oil level before the next fare
• CPull over off the carriageway, switch off and check the oil before going on
• DSelect neutral and rev the engine to push the oil round faster

The red brake warning light stays on after the handbrake has been fully released. What is the most likely cause?

• AThe windscreen-washer reservoir has run low and needs topping up
• BThe taxi has passed the mileage set for its next oil change
• CThe anti-lock braking system is working normally on a wet road
• DThe brake fluid is too low or the hydraulic brake system has a fault

Under regulation 34 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2010, what fire-fighting equipment must a taxi carry?

• ANone; the extinguisher rule applies only to buses and goods vehicles
• BAn efficient extinguisher of at least 500 grams, kept readily accessible
• CA fire blanket of any size, stored in the boot under the spare wheel
• DA fire extinguisher only when the taxi carries fuel in a container

What does an amber or yellow warning symbol on the dashboard generally indicate?

• AA danger that requires you to switch off the engine on the carriageway at once
• BThat the hazard warning lights are working
• CA caution or non-critical fault: drive carefully and have it checked soon
• DThat the main beam is dazzling oncoming drivers

A steady amber engine warning light (the 'check engine' light) comes on while you are driving. What does it usually mean?

• AThe engine management system has logged a fault that needs checking soon
• BThe handbrake has been left partly applied while driving
• CWater has got into the fuel tank and must be drained at once
• DThe steering linkage has become disconnected from the front wheels while driving

The amber ABS (anti-lock braking system) warning light stays on while you are driving. How does this affect braking?

• AThe brake pedal will sink to the floor and the brakes will not work
• BThe handbrake will apply itself automatically and stop the car
• CThe power steering will switch off, so the car is hard to steer
• DNormal braking works, but the wheels may lock in an emergency stop

What colour is the dashboard tell-tale that shows the headlamps are on main (high) beam?

• AAmber
• BBlue
• CGreen
• DRed

Regulation 21 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2010 requires a speedometer. What must it show the driver?

• AThe speed the vehicle is being driven at, in km/h (or km/h and mph)
• BThe fuel consumption of the engine at that moment, in litres per 100 km
• CThe engine speed, in revolutions per minute (rpm)
• DThe total distance the vehicle has covered since new

Why is the tachometer (rev counter) useful to a taxi driver on hilly Mauritian roads?

• AIt warns when the road surface is too hot for the tyres
• BIt shows how many passengers the taxi may legally carry
• CIt helps you pick a gear that avoids labouring or over-revving the engine
• DIt shows the fluid level in the automatic gearbox while the taxi is being driven

What is the difference between the odometer and the speedometer?

• AThe odometer shows engine oil temperature; the speedometer shows the tyre pressures
• BThe odometer shows the fare; the speedometer shows the fuel used
• CThe odometer is fitted only to lorries; the speedometer only to cars
• DThe odometer records total distance travelled; the speedometer shows current speed

Which daily check routine best fits a licensed taxi driver's duty before starting a shift?

• ACheck only that the radio works and the fuel tank is half full
• BCheck tyres, lights, fluids, brakes, horn, wipers, belts and the 'TAXI' sign
• CWash and polish the taxi so it looks presentable, without checking mechanical items
• DRely on the latest certificate of fitness and skip daily checks

Annex A lists thinking distance, braking distance and overall stopping distance. What is 'thinking distance'?

• AThe distance covered while the driver thinks about the shortest route for the fare
• BThe distance the car skids with locked wheels
• CThe distance travelled from the moment you see a hazard until you start to brake
• DThe distance the car needs before the ABS engages

What is 'braking distance'?

• AThe distance covered from when the brakes are applied until the car stops
• BThe time it takes for the brake lights to come on after braking
• CThe thickness of brake pad material left on each brake disc
• DThe distance covered while the driver sees and reacts to a hazard

How is overall stopping distance worked out?

• AThinking distance minus braking distance
• BThinking distance multiplied by vehicle weight
• CBraking distance divided by tyre tread depth
• DThinking distance plus braking distance

Which of these directly increases a taxi driver's thinking distance?

• AWorn brake pads on the rear axle
• BTiredness, alcohol or a phone distraction
• CUnder-inflated front tyres on a hot day
• DA wet, oily road surface after a shower

Why does a taxi carrying four adults and heavy luggage need a longer braking distance than when it is empty?

• AThe extra weight slows down the driver's reaction time
• BThe engine oil becomes thicker when the taxi is heavily loaded
• CThe extra mass means more kinetic energy for the brakes to absorb
• DA higher speed limit applies to a fully loaded vehicle

If a taxi's speed doubles from 40 km/h to 80 km/h on a dry road, what happens to its braking distance, other conditions being equal?

• AIt roughly quadruples
• BIt doubles
• CIt stays the same
• DIt increases by about 25 per cent

A taxi is travelling at 72 km/h (20 metres per second). The driver's reaction time is 0.75 seconds. What is the thinking distance?

• A54 metres
• B7.5 metres
• C20 metres
• D15 metres

During heavy tropical rain, how should a taxi driver change the following distance behind other traffic?

• AClose up so the tail lights ahead can be seen through the spray
• BAt least double the dry-road gap, for example to four seconds or more
• CKeep the normal dry-road gap, because ABS prevents skidding
• DDrive alongside the other vehicle in the next lane

A taxi with a manual gearbox is approaching a long, steep hill. Which gear-changing technique is correct?

• AChange down early, before the taxi loses speed and the engine starts to labour
• BStay in a high gear and press the accelerator harder as the hill steepens
• CWait until the engine is struggling near the top before changing down
• DSelect neutral part-way up to let the engine recover

What happens when a driver tries to climb a steep hill in too high a gear, which is often called 'labouring' or 'lugging' the engine?

• AThe alternator overcharges and blows the dashboard fuses
• BThe taxi gains speed and may exceed the speed limit
• CThe brake fluid overheats and boils in the master cylinder
• DThe engine labours at low revs, straining it and risking a stall

Why should you select a lower gear before starting a long, steep descent?

• AIt uses engine braking to hold the speed down, so the footbrake is less likely to overheat
• BIt lets you keep the footbrake pressed all the way down the hill without any risk of fade
• CIt lets the engine idle, which gives the best fuel economy on a descent
• DIt is needed only so the taxi can pull away quickly at the bottom

Why is coasting downhill in neutral, or with the clutch held down, dangerous in a taxi?

• AIt uses more fuel than the vehicle regulations allow
• BIt overloads the alternator and dims the headlamps at night
• CSpeed builds up with no engine braking, overloading the brakes
• DIt damages the catalytic converter within a few minutes

A fully loaded taxi is driven down a long, steep hill with the footbrake held on most of the way, and the brakes start to feel much weaker. What is this condition, known as 'brake fade'?

• AAir in the brake lines from a leak, which only shows itself on steep hills
• BA loss of braking power because the brakes have overheated from long, heavy use
• CA normal effect of a full load, which disappears once the passengers get out
• DThe ABS deliberately softening the pedal so the wheels cannot lock on the slope

What is the correct way to take a sharp bend?

• AAccelerate into the bend and brake hard at its tightest point
• BPress the clutch and coast round the bend in neutral to stay smooth
• CCut across the centre line to straighten the curve and keep speed
• DSlow down and change gear before the bend, then drive through it gently

Why is sudden heavy braking in the middle of a bend particularly dangerous?

• ABraking and cornering together can use up the tyres' limited grip and cause a skid
• BHeavy braking makes the steering lighter, which gives the driver better control of the car
• CHeavy braking moves weight onto the rear wheels, which increases front-tyre grip
• DABS stops working whenever the steering wheel is turned

How does heavy luggage in a roof rack or boot affect a taxi's handling in bends?

• AIt lowers the centre of gravity and stops body roll in bends
• BIt makes the taxi steadier and less affected by crosswinds
• CRoof loads raise and boot loads move back the centre of gravity, adding roll
• DIt has no effect on handling as long as the tyres are correctly inflated

During a tropical downpour, a taxi hits standing water on the motorway and the steering suddenly feels light. What is happening, and what should the driver do?

• ABrake fluid leaks onto the discs; pump the brake pedal and steer hard
• BTyres ride on a water film; ease off, steer straight, avoid harsh braking
• CThe exhaust goes under water; select neutral and rev the engine
• DWater enters the air intake; pull the handbrake on at once to stop

The Traffic Branch publishes the maximum-speed schedule of the Road Traffic (Speed) Regulations 2011. What is the maximum speed for a motorcar, such as a taxi car, on a motorway ('M' road), unless signs show a lower limit?

• A90 km/h
• B100 km/h
• C110 km/h
• D120 km/h

Under the Road Traffic (Speed) Regulations 2011 schedule, what is the maximum speed for a motorcar on a classified 'A' road, unless signs show otherwise?

• A80 km/h
• B60 km/h
• C90 km/h
• D110 km/h

What is the maximum speed for a motorcar on a classified 'B' road under the Speed Regulations schedule published by the Traffic Branch?

• A40 km/h
• B80 km/h
• C50 km/h
• D60 km/h

In the 'Other Road (UR Road)' part of the Speed Regulations schedule, what is the maximum speed for a motorcar on a road classed as a 'Street'?

• A40 km/h
• B30 km/h
• C20 km/h
• D50 km/h

A taxi is recorded at 58 km/h on a 'C' road, where the schedule limit for motorcars is 40 km/h. Under the Traffic Branch speeding fines and the penalty points schedule in the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2025, what applies?

• ARs 2,500 and no penalty points
• BRs 10,000 and 4–6 penalty points
• CRs 5,000 and 2–4 penalty points
• DRs 5,000 and 4–6 penalty points

A taxi is recorded at 124 km/h on a motorway, where the motorcar limit is 110 km/h. What fine and penalty points apply?

• ARs 5,000 and 2–4 penalty points
• BRs 10,000 and 4–6 penalty points
• CRs 2,500 and 2–4 penalty points
• DRs 2,500 and no penalty points

A taxi is recorded at 88 km/h on a classified 'B' road where the standard motorcar limit applies. Which fine and penalty-point range apply?

• ARs 10,000 and 4–6 penalty points
• BRs 5,000 and 2–4 penalty points
• CRs 10,000 and 8–10 penalty points
• DRs 5,000 and no penalty points

The Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2025 re-introduced a penalty points system. What is the permitted maximum number of penalty points for the holder of a full (non-provisional) driving licence, such as a taxi driver?

• A10 points accumulated within 36 months
• B15 points accumulated within 36 months
• C12 points accumulated within 24 months
• D15 points accumulated within 12 months

A driving-licence holder exceeds the permitted maximum number of penalty points. What must the Court do under the new section 123AH of the Road Traffic Act?

• AIssue a written warning that has no effect on the driving licence
• BDisqualify the driver from the taxi (B1) class only, for one month
• CDisqualify the driver from driving any class of vehicle for 6–12 months
• DCancel the licence permanently, with no right of appeal to a Court

Crossing a continuous white line counts as failing to comply with a traffic sign under the Traffic Signs Regulations 1990. What does this offence carry in the 2025 penalty points schedule, on top of the fine?

• A2–4 penalty points
• BNo penalty points
• C8–10 penalty points
• DAutomatic cancellation of the driving licence

A taxi driver picks up a hand-held mobile phone to accept a booking while driving. What is the position under section 123AE of the Road Traffic Act and the 2025 penalty points schedule?

• AIt is allowed if no passenger is on board
• BIt is an offence carrying 3–6 penalty points in addition to the fine
• CIt is an offence only on motorways
• DIt is allowed if the call is short, such as less than one minute, and the road is quiet

Regulation 78(2) of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2010 is one of the safety rules for driving. When must the driver keep both hands on the steering wheel?

• AOnly when driving at speeds above 60 km/h on open roads
• BOnly when carrying passengers, not when driving empty
• COnly on motorways and classified 'A' roads, not in town
• DAlways, except when changing gear or operating minor controls

Under regulation 104 of the 2010 Construction and Use Regulations, when must a driver who is catching up with another vehicle from behind switch to a dipped beam?

• AOnly when the vehicle ahead flashes its lights
• BWhen 200 metres behind the other vehicle
• CWhen 100 metres behind the other vehicle
• DOnly on unlit roads outside built-up areas

Which body issues the public service vehicle licence (taxi licence) that allows a motor car to be used as a taxi in Mauritius?

• AMauritius Revenue Authority
• BMauritius Police Force Traffic Branch
• CThe local council for the taxi's base
• DNational Land Transport Authority (NLTA)

How are the roles of the Police Traffic Branch and the NLTA divided for someone who wants to operate a taxi?

• APolice test drivers and issue the B1 Taxi class; the NLTA licenses the vehicle
• BThe NLTA tests drivers; the Police issue taxi licences for vehicles
• CBoth bodies run the same oral test, in alternate weeks of the month
• DThe NLTA licenses all private drivers; the Police license only taxis