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TfL private hire licensing
PCO and Taxi Driver Training
Preparation for every TfL private hire driver assessment, together with professional support for new licence applications and renewals.
Transport for London requires you to pass all three separate assessments before issuing your private hire vehicle driver licence. We train drivers for all three assessments, through our driver division, PCO Driver Hub.
Driver assessments
1. English Language Requirement and SERU assessment
Two separate assessments are used to determine whether an applicant meets the English Language Requirement.
- The Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment is used to determine an applicant's ability to read and write in English to an appropriate level, as well as to determine their understanding of safety, equality and regulatory matters.
- A speaking and listening assessment is also required. This is undertaken by a secure video or telephone link within TfL premises.
Both assessments must be passed in order for an applicant to demonstrate that they can communicate in English at an appropriate level. The appropriate level is equivalent to level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for reading, writing, speaking and listening, and remains the same as before.
Practise SERU mock questions before you sit it
Applicants are advised to read the guidance on the TfL English language page and SERU page before applying.
2. Topographical skills assessment
Private hire applicants are required to undertake a topographical skills assessment as part of their application. The following applicants may be exempt:
- Previously licensed PHV drivers who have passed a TfL topographical skills test
- Licensed London taxi drivers, all London and suburban
- Professional London tourist guides, for example Blue Badge Driver Guides
On 1 February 2020 the exemption previously given to applicants holding a relevant vocational qualification was removed.
Practice platform
Practise before you sit the real assessment
Most candidates who do not pass first time have simply not seen enough questions. Our practice platform lets you work through mock questions under the same conditions as the assessment, so nothing on the day is unfamiliar.
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1
Work through 10 mock questions
A timed set drawn from the same subject areas as the SERU assessment, answered in the same format you will meet on the day.
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2
See where you went wrong
Every answer is explained, so you understand the reasoning rather than memorising a result.
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3
Download the study resources
Written material covering the topics the assessment draws on, to revise between practice attempts.
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4
Repeat until you are consistent
Sit the mock more than once. When you are scoring consistently, you are ready to book the real thing.
SERU and Topographical mock tests
Practice questions and study resources, available online at any time.
Opens topographyserutests.co.uk, our practice test platform. Preparation is not a substitute for the official assessment, which is booked and sat with TfL.
Topographical skills training
Route planning is taught on screen, using the same style of mapping used in the assessment. Drivers work through real London routes with a trainer beside them.
Classroom training
Application support
In addition to training, we assist drivers with the licensing process itself:
- New private hire driver licence applications
- Licence renewals
- Guidance on supporting documentation, medical requirements and DBS checks
- Assistance in booking your assessments with TfL
Delivered by PCO Driver Hub
Driver training and licensing support are delivered through PCO Driver Hub, the taxi and private hire division of London Paragon College Limited. Full course details, fees, the eligibility checker and online booking are available on that site. We have supported drivers through these requirements since the English Language Requirement was introduced in October 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which assessments am I required to pass?
New applicants are generally required to pass the SERU assessment, the speaking and listening assessment and the topographical skills assessment. Requirements for renewals vary. Contact us with your licensing history and we will confirm.
What level of English is required?
The required standard is equivalent to level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Am I exempt from the topographical skills assessment?
You may be exempt if you are a previously licensed PHV driver who has passed a TfL topographical skills test, a licensed London taxi driver, or a professional London tourist guide. Contact us and we will confirm your position.
Do you assist with the application itself?
Yes. We assist with new applications and renewals, including guidance on supporting documentation and booking your assessments.
Where are the assessments taken?
Assessments are booked with and sat at TfL premises and approved assessment centres, not at our college. Our role is to prepare you and to assist with booking.
Can I practise before the real assessment?
Yes. Our practice platform at topographyserutests.co.uk provides mock questions and study resources, so you can work through a set of ten questions and review your answers before booking.
Driver enquiries
- Assessments
- SERU
Speaking & listening
Topographical skills - Standard
- CEFR level B1
- Applications
- New and renewal
- Supporting since
- 2016
- Delivered by
- PCO Driver Hub
