Do I need to pass the SERU assessment for a London PHV driver licence?

What is the SERU assessment?

SERU stands for Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding. Transport for London (TfL) uses the assessment to check that London private hire driver applicants understand the safety, equality and regulatory responsibilities that come with being a licensed driver.

The assessment is based on TfL’s Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Handbook. TfL says applicants should read the current handbook and its assessment guidance before attending the assessment.

Do new London PHV applicants have to pass SERU?

Yes, in normal circumstances. A new London PHV driver licence will not normally be granted unless the applicant has satisfied TfL’s SERU requirement.

How does SERU relate to the English Language Requirement?

TfL’s English Language Requirement has separate speaking/listening and reading/writing elements. The speaking and listening requirement is assessed separately. TfL uses your performance in the SERU assessment to assess your English reading and writing skills.

So passing SERU is not a substitute for the separate speaking and listening assessment where that assessment is required. Instead, SERU also provides TfL with evidence of the reading and writing part of the English Language Requirement.

Where do I take the SERU assessment?

TfL requires applicants to attend a TfL driver assessment centre to take the SERU assessment. Your booking information should tell you where to attend, when to arrive and what you need to bring.

TfL also publishes assessment guidance with example questions and information about what to expect on the day. Because assessment formats can change, use TfL’s current assessment guide rather than relying on third-party descriptions of the exact number or type of questions.

What does SERU cover?

The PHV Driver Handbook covers areas including drivers’ legal obligations, TfL policies and guidance, safeguarding children and adults at risk, passenger and driver safety, equality responsibilities, and road and vehicle safety.

How much does the SERU assessment cost?

From 9 March 2026, TfL’s fee for a PHV driver SERU assessment is £40 for the first attempt and £30 for a resit.

Assessment fees can change, so check TfL’s latest taxi and private hire licence fee notice before paying or booking.

How many attempts do I get?

TfL currently normally allows a new PHV driver licence applicant three attempts to pass the SERU assessment.

If you fail the assessment for a third time, your application will normally be refused. If you then want to try again, you will need to make a new application. TfL’s current policy says there is no defined waiting period before a further application can be considered.

Can I be exempt from SERU?

TfL’s current policy provides an exemption where an applicant has already satisfied TfL’s SERU requirement by passing an assessment based on the current version of the handbook.

TfL states that there are no other exemptions from the SERU requirement.

How should I prepare?

Start with TfL’s official PHV Driver Handbook. TfL says the SERU assessment is based on the handbook’s content, and the handbook itself notes that it may be updated when laws, policies or guidance change.

You should also use TfL’s current SERU assessment guidance for examples and information about what to expect at the assessment centre.

Where should I go next?

For the full London PHV licensing route, including eligibility, English requirements, topographical assessment and current fees, see the Getting Licensed guide.