Topographical Skills Assessment
Index based questions
General Topography
Planning a route
Compass point questions
What is the Topographical Skills Assessment?
To become a licensed Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) driver in London, you must apply via Transport for London (TfL) to become a PHV driver. This process includes a map test called the topographical skills assessment. This topographical test includes understanding how to use a map and plot routes between 2 points.
When can I book my Topographical Test?
Once you’ve applied for your PHV driver’s license via TfL, you can go ahead and book all your TfL assessments. You have to pass the following assessments to become a PHV driver.
- Topographical Skills Assessment
- SERU Assessment
- English Language speaking & listening test
How to book my Topographical Test
You can book your Topographical Skills Assessment via the Taxi and Private Hire portal provided by TfL. You should have access to this as the PHV license application is on the same platform.
- Go to the “Manage My Bookings” section of the portal.
- Select “+ New Appointments”
- Choose a date and time from the ones available.
- Pay the £36 test fee online
- Download your “Booking confirmation letter”.
Topographical Test Modules
There are 4 modules on the TfL topographical skills assessment.
- 1. Index based questions
These questions require you to use the index section of the A to Z map of Greater London and find specific roads and their page numbers and grid references. - 2. General topography
For this section, you will need to be able to identify the general direction of places on a map from A to B. You won’t need to plan the route, yet. - 3. Planning a route
Route planning makes up 75% of the marks on the topographical skills assessment. You must follow instructions and plan a route from point A to B on an actual map. - 4. Compass point questions
You will need to follow compass directions on grid based images to get from point A to B.
Topographical Test Pass Mark
To successfully pass the TfL topographical skills assessment, you need to get 60% or more of the questions correct. You get 2 separate chances, so if you fail once you can reapply for a second try, after that if you fail you must start your application again.
Step to becoming a PHV driver in London
Meet the criteria
- You must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
- You must hold a full DVLA, NI or EEA state driving licence that’s at least 3 years old
- You must have the right to live and work in the UK
Apply via TfL portal
Character requirements
You must complete an Enhanced DBS background check through TfL’s authorised provider to pass the character requirements.
Medical requirements
A DVLA group 2 medical check form must be completed by your GP
HMRC Tax Check
You will need to complete a tax check with HMRC (using your GOV.UK Government Gateway ID and password). You must obtain a unique 9-character tax check code confirming your registration to pay tax.
Driver Assessments
- 1. Topographical Skills Assessment
- 2. SERU Assessment
- 3. English Speaking & Listening Test
After you pass, you will get your PHV driver’s licence.
Private Hire Drivers Licence
To work as a Private Hire Driver in London, you need to have a PHV driver’s licence and also have a Private Hire Licensed Vehicle. For example, if you want to become an Uber driver in London, you would need this licence before you can start working for Uber. Sometimes people refer to the PHV driver’s licence as a PCO licence, this is the old name for it. Private Hire licensing use to be done through the Public Carriage Office (PCO).
Below we show you what a PHV driver’s licence and Private Hire Vehicle Licence look like.
PHV Driver Badge
PHV Drivers Licence
