SERU Assessment Practice 2026

If you’re hoping to become a fully licensed private hire vehicle driver, you must pass the SERU test. Introduced in October 2021, the SERU test ensures that PHV drivers have the required knowledge to perform their job role competently. The acronym SERU refers to ‘safety, equality, and regulatory understanding (requirement)’.

This is a dual-purpose assessment. As well as assessing a candidate’s awareness and understanding of passenger and road safety measures, it also contains some basic comprehension exercises. These exercises are designed to test the candidate’s English reading and writing skills. Therefore, you’ll need to have a solid grasp of the English language to successfully navigate this assessment.

The SERU test was developed by Transport for London (TfL). Established in 2000 as the successor organization to the London Passenger Transport Board, TfL is responsible for running the vast majority of London’s busy transport network. This includes operating buses, trams, and the London Underground. According to a recent TfL statement, the main objective of the SERU test is to ensure private hire vehicle drivers have ‘an appropriate understanding of safety, equality, and regulatory (SERU) requirements that apply to them. This helps ensure public safety and will enhance levels of customer service’.

PCO vs. PHV (vs. Taxis!)

All London-based private vehicle hire drivers must own a valid PHV or PCO license. Although these two types of licenses are extremely similar, it’s worth clarifying the subtle differences between them.

A PCO license enables you to carry passengers in exchange for payment whilst driving in a company-registered vehicle. However, a PHV license allows you to provide transport services in your own vehicle. If you want to work as a dedicated chauffeur, you’ll need both a PCO and PHV license.

To attain either license, you must prove that you have sufficient geographical knowledge of London. This includes having a good awareness of key road routes, landmarks, and council boroughs.

Although technically different, a PCO license is sometimes referred to as a PHV license. This is because all PCO license holders are part of the general private hire vehicle (PHV) driver community. Therefore, it’s important not to get too hung up on these interchangeable terms.

However, it is important to understand that there is a clear distinction between taxis and PHVs. The famous black cabs that roam London’s streets adhere to a different set of regulations. All private vehicle drivers – such as those representing Uber, Bolt, and other ride-hailing applications – must ensure all fares are pre-booked. Unlike taxis, PHVs cannot pick up passengers whilst ‘on the move’ or be stationed at taxi ranks/electrical taxi charge points.

The English Language Requirement

Back in 2016, Transport for London made a significant change to the qualifying requirements for a PHV license. Eager to improve the customer experience, TfL mandated that all PHV drivers must be able to speak, listen, read and write in English to an intermediate standard. This is commonly referred to as the ‘English Language Requirement’ (ELR). It ensures drivers are able to properly interact with customers, and handle most ‘common situations’ that arise when providing a transport service. As a result, both drivers and passengers can be clear on travel arrangements and anticipated costs.

Previously, drivers would be required to provide documented evidence of their ELR. Usually, this would involve presenting a pass certificate that had been issued by one of TfL’s Secure English Language Test (SELT) providers. However, this requirement was amended upon the arrival of the SERU test.

A change in approach

Since 2021, prospective PHV drivers have had to endure a tougher application process. The English Language Requirement has been made more challenging, with candidates now needing to demonstrate a more rounded understanding. Furthermore, PHV license applicants must also be aware of a passenger’s legal rights and have a strong working knowledge of relevant TfL regulations.

As well as assessing your understanding of safety, equality, and regulatory requirements, the SERU test includes several comprehension-based questions. These questions are designed to test your reading and writing capabilities. TfL’s Speaking/Listening test covers the remaining aspects of the English Language Requirement. This assessment is usually taken in conjunction with the SERU test. Please note that the majority of drivers (see ‘groups’ in the next section), need to pass both the SERU and Speaking/Listening tests.

If you’re hoping to pursue a career as a PHV driver, you need to address all of the above requirements before submitting your license application. Later on, we’ll discuss the best ways to achieve this.

Does every driver need to take the SERU test?

Although you’ll need to pass the SERU test if you’re currently applying for a PHV license, this is not necessarily an immediate requirement for pre-existing license holders. The rules regarding taking the SERU test are dependent on several factors. These factors are as follows: when you acquired your PHV license, the nature of your English Language Requirement certification, and whether you’re a new or experienced driver.

To provide clarity on this matter, TfL have divided all drivers into four clear groups based on the factors listed above.  As per the notes below, there is a separate set of guidelines for each group.

Group 1

If you obtained your PHV license before 1st October 2021 but hadn’t provided evidence of your ELR prior to 30th September 2021, you must have passed the SERU and Speaking/Language tests by the 30th September 2023.

Group 2

If you obtained your PHV license before 1st October 2021 but gave unsatisfactory evidence of your ELR by the end of the previous month, you must have passed the SERU and Speaking/Language tests by the 30th September 2024. TfL will determine what is classed as unsatisfactory evidence. Please note as Group 2 applicants have attempted to provide certification, they receive twelve months more than Group 1 participants to complete the relevant tests.

Group 3

If you obtained your PHV license before 1st October 2021 and gave satisfactory evidence of your ELR by the end of the previous month, you must pass the SERU test by 31st March 2025. However, you do not need to pass the Speaking/Leaking test. Please note that you can continue offering private vehicle hire services before taking the SERU test, provided you hold a valid PHV license.

Group 4

If you applied for your PHV license between 1st October 2021 and 1st April 2023, you must have passed the SERU and Speaking/Language tests by 30th September 2024.

Since 1st April 2023, all PHV license applicants must pass the SERU and Speaking/Language tests. It’s worth noting that you must also pass the TfL’s topographical test. This test is designed to assess your geographical knowledge of London.

What topics are covered in the SERU test?

Although testing your English language skills is a key component of the SERU test, this is first and foremost a driving-based exam. It assesses your awareness of the highway code, appreciation of road safety, and understanding of relevant regulations and legislation. Therefore, the SERU test covers a broad range of topics.

You’ll be required to answer questions on the following topics:

Regulations/Legislation

The Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998

You’ll be expected to know about the act’s incumbent regulations, and demonstrate the impact these have on a PHV driver’s daily routine.

The Equality Act 2010

This piece of governmental legislation is designed to ensure service providers (i.e. PHV drivers) do not engage in discriminatory behaviour towards customers. This would involve harassing or victimising a passenger due to their race, religion, sexual orientation etc. (otherwise referred to as protected characteristics). You’ll be expected to highlight the importance of showing tolerance to all communities and treating every passenger with respect.

TfL policies and guidance targeted at PHV drivers

Although you won’t have to remember this information word for word, you must have a general awareness of all relevant TfL policies and guidance. This demonstrates that you’re in a position to operate your PHV in an efficient and compliant manner.

N.B. The test may also touch on regulatory standards imposed by other bodies and governmental legislation. Providing you’ve read the PHV Drivers Handbook (more on this to follow), it will not reference any unfamiliar rules or regulations.

Passenger and Driver Safety

Passenger Safety

As a PHV driver, you’re responsible for the health and welfare of your passengers for the duration of their journey. Whilst you cannot control the actions of other road users, you can create as safe an environment as possible within your vehicle. Therefore, you must implement a series of safety measures to reduce the likelihood of an injury or accident occurring. The SERU test checks your understanding and appreciation of these measures.

Driver safety

As well as taking steps to protect passengers, you also have a responsibility to ensure your own safety. Occasionally, passengers may become violent or aggressive. This is more likely to occur if they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

You’ll be expected to explain how you would handle hostile passengers. This will include highlighting the actions you would take to de-escalate the situation, and when you would need to contact the emergency services. Furthermore, you’ll need to articulate what you would do if you were the victim of an assault –  how would you report such an incident, and what information would you need to provide?

Road and Vehicle Safety

All drivers – whether a PHV operator or a normal road user – must respect and understand the rules of the road. If you fail to do this, you instantly put the safety of yourself and others at risk. As you’ll be driving on an extremely regular basis, you’ll be expected to have an in-depth knowledge of the highway code and supporting legislation.

Although you won’t need to possess the knowledge of a mechanic, you should ensure you know how the various components of your vehicle work. Furthermore, you need to be aware of when your vehicle has a mechanical fault or defect. Understanding these functions will enable you to take appropriate action when an issue arises. This helps you to mitigate the chances of an accident occurring, and keep your vehicle in a satisfactory condition.

The PHV Driver’s Handbook

Every possible piece of information covered in the SERU test is contained in the PHV Driver’s Handbook. This learning resource is split into ten sections. Each section covers a specific theme or topic, providing immense detail in an easy-to-read format.

The ten sections are as follows:

• Section 1: London PHV Driver Licensing
• Section 2: Licensing Requirements for PHVs
• Section 3: Carrying out Private Hire Journeys
• Section 4: Staying Safe
• Section 5: Driver Behaviour
• Section 6: Driving and Parking in London
• Section 7: Safer Driving
• Section 8: Being Aware of Equality and Disability
• Section 9: Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk
• Section 10: Ridesharing

Please note that there is also a glossary at the end of this handbook. Glossaries are extremely useful tools, as they provide definitions of less-commonly known terms. As the handbook uses a considerable amount of technical language, you’ll likely need to refer to the glossary on several occasions.

What is the format and structure of the SERU test?

Before heading into the exam, it’s useful to be aware of the types of questions you’ll be asked. Furthermore, it can be comforting to know exactly how your assessment will be laid out. Understanding this information enables you to better prepare, helping you to feel more relaxed when your test day arrives.

The SERU test is a computer-based exam. It consists of 37 questions, 20 of which are presented in multiple-choice format. The other 17 questions require you to position missing words into a sentence.

Multiple-choice questions

There are two different types of multiple-choice questions; ‘standard’ and ‘short passage’. The standard multiple-choice questions focus on the topics included in each section of the PHV Driver’s Handbook There are just two short passage multiple choice questions. These questions serve as the comprehension-based exercises we referred to earlier. Therefore, these questions are designed to assess your English reading and writing skills.

The ‘standard’ questions follow the traditional multiple-choice format. Therefore, you’ll be asked to select the correct answer from several possible options. Please ensure you read each question extremely carefully. Sometimes, the question may ask you to select ‘ONLY’ one answer or state what you would ‘NOT’ do in a certain situation.

Short passage multiple-choice questions require you to read a paragraph of information before responding. The possible answers will be presented in the same way as they are in standard multiple-choice questions. Clearly, these questions will relate directly to the text you’ve just read.

Missing words questions

You’ll also be presented with 17 incomplete sentences. Each screen in this part of the assessment will contain a sentence with several gaps and a list of words or phrases. Your job is to position (drag & drop) the right word into the right space, resulting in the sentence making sense. Please ensure you discard any unused words into the pink box provided, confirming that they have no place in the sentence. If you don’t do this you will not be awarded full marks for your answer, even if you’ve moved the correct words into the sentence.

Further considerations

You have 45 minutes to complete the SERU test. Therefore, you’ll have an average of just over a minute to provide an answer to each question. This should give you sufficient time to read the question thoroughly, consider each possible answer, and submit your response.

Please be aware that you’ll have to exclusively use a mouse (rather than a keyboard) to provide your answers. Before you start, you’ll watch a five-minute presentation about the test. As part of this presentation, you’ll be given two practice questions. We would encourage you to answer these questions, as it will help to engage your brain for the actual test. Unfortunately, any correct answers you give will not count towards your final score! Your actual SERU test commences as soon as you hit the ‘start’ button.

The SERU test is taken under exam conditions. Therefore, you’ll be unable to take any notes/resources into the exam hall (unless you meet the criteria referenced below) or converse with peers.

N.B. Currently, TfL are trailing a new approach. SERU tests taken by candidates in Group 1 follow an ‘open-book’ format. This enables these candidates to bring a copy of the PHV Driver’s Handbook into the exam hall.

How many points do I need to pass the SERU test?

The pass mark for the SERU test is 60%, so you’ll need to provide at least 23 (out of 37) correct answers. Although you’ll be desperate to pass, please don’t worry if you fail on the first occasion. Candidates are allowed to re-sit this assessment. However, if you fail again, you’ll need to commence the entire licensing application process again. This rule also applies to current PHV license holders – if they fail twice, their license will unfortunately be revoked.

Re-starting the application process is certainly an inconvenience. Not only do you need to re-pay the required fees, you’ll also have to undergo the same checks (i.e. medical/criminal) that were performed during your original application.  Clearly, if you’re currently a PHV driver and have your license revoked, failing the SERU test twice could have a significant impact on your livelihood. Therefore, we would encourage you to take this assessment extremely seriously!

What about the Speaking/Listening test?

The vast majority of candidates take the TfL Speaking/Listening test on the same day they sit the SERU test. As per the SERU test, you’ll need to score at least 60% to successfully navigate this assessment. There are five parts to this test, with each assessing either your conversational or presentation skills. The Speaking/Listening test is facilitated by an interlocutor (an examiner who you verbally interact with) and will last approximately 15-20 minutes.

How should I prepare for the SERU test?

There are plenty of learning tools and materials available that will help you prepare for this important assessment. Our website allows you to take mock SERU tests, whilst some private PHV companies (such as Uber) facilitate dedicated coaching sessions. Nevertheless, there are three integral resources that we would recommend all candidates use:

1. The PHV Driver’s Handbook. As already referenced, the PHV Driver’s Handbook covers every topic included in the SERU test. Therefore, if you study every page of this book with sufficient focus, you should be able to comfortably pass this assessment.
2. The TfL Online Assessment Guide. Similar to the PHV Driver’s Handbook, the TfL Online Assessment Guide provides all the key information about relevant policies and regulations, driver/passenger/vehicle safety, and ethical standards. At the end of each of the guide’s ten sections (this document mirrors the layout of the PHV Driver’s Handbook), there is a set of knowledge-check questions. This enables you to assess your current level of knowledge. The guide also has a ‘what to expect’ section. This part of the guide provides examples of the types of questions you’ll be asked during the SERU test.
3. The TfL Safeguarding Awareness training course. This learning module helps you to gain a better understanding of how to protect vulnerable people and identify potential victims of abuse. Furthermore, it provides guidance on how to report safeguarding concerns to the relevant authorities. This is a free online course – click here to start.

Please ensure you take time to properly navigate each of these resources before taking your SERU test. If you do, you’ll significantly increase your chances of passing this assessment.

How do I book the SERU test, and how much does it cost?

There is no way of booking the SERU test yourself. TfL will directly invite you to take the assessment at some stage during your application process (or by the dates referenced earlier if you haven’t yet passed the test but already possess a PHV license). Your invite will be distributed via letter or e-mail, so it’s important enter your personal details correctly on your license application form.

You should make every effort to be available for the date of your test. However, if you do have an important pre-arranged engagement, you can speak to the TfL about moving your date. All SERU tests take place at one of TfL’s registered offices, which are located in Marylebone and West Kensington. You’ll also take your Speaking/Listening test at one of these offices. However, these tests are facilitated by TfL’s assessment service provider PeopleCert, and co-ordinated via video link.

It costs £36 to take the SERU test. If you need to re-sit this assessment, you’ll be charged an additional £16. You’ll also have to pay £36 to sit the Learning/Speaking test.

Before confirming your booking, it’s worth checking to see whether you’re eligible to receive financial support. Your employer might fund all or part of your training commitments, and therefore cover the costs of your assessment. Alternatively, your personal circumstances may result in you having access to a government grant scheme.

If you’re currently preparing to take your SERU test, we wish you the best of luck!