SERU Assessment Test Requirements for Private Hire Drivers

Think you’re ready to drive in London? Your car’s shining, your licence is ready… But without passing the SERU assessment test from TfL, you’re not going anywhere—except the rejection pile. TfL – that’s Transport for London – made it compulsory on 1 October 2021, and it’s still a must-have. Without it, your licence cannot be issued or renewed.

Here’s what matters: TfL wants drivers who understand the rules, safety, and their duties under equality law. All of that comes from the PHV Driver Handbook. If you skip it, TfL won’t let you work.

Why the chaos? London’s a mad mix of people. Tourists, locals, and night-shift workers – they all jump into your motor. TfL needs proof you’ll keep them safe, treat them fairly, and stick to the rules. The SERU Certification test is your MOT for common sense. Let’s get started, shall we?

What Is the SERU Assessment Test?

What exactly is this SERU assessment exam? You rock up to a TfL centre, sit at a computer, and no sweaty examiner stares you down. It’s all clicks and screens. SERU stands for Safety, Equality, Regulatory Understanding: two birds, one stone.

First, it tests your grip on TfL’s rules—safety, equality, the lot—from the PHV Driver Handbook. Second, it checks your English. Can you read road signs, write trip logs, and chat clearly? Nothing fancy, just practical. Takes 45-60 minutes, no strict timer. Some centres even let you flick through the handbook on-screen. In 2025, same format, no curveballs.

A driver from Manchester told me, “It felt like a pub quiz, not a trial.” That’s the spirit. If tech’s not your mate, practise on your phone first. The SERU assessment exam is fair, modern, and doable. Ready for the why?

Why Do Private Hire Drivers Need to Take the SERU Test?

The simple answer is trust. Your passenger might be a kid heading to school or a granny with shopping. TfL wants you bulletproof on safety, dead fair on equality, and legal as they come. The SERU certification exam proves you won’t let anyone down.

Think equality—helping a wheelchair user, no fuss with guide dogs. Safety—identifying unusual situations and keeping your taxi safe. Legal—appropriate reservations with no suspicious activity. One slip, and your licence is terminated. In 2025, apps like Uber flash “SERU passed” in driver profiles. So, pass it, and you’re gold. On the contrary, fail and you’re stuck on the sofa. There are many blokes who have been gutted after missing the mark. So don’t be them! This test is your shield and your sword.

What Are the SERU Assessment Test Requirements?

Let’s keep it crystal. To sit the SERU assessment, you need:

• A current or pending London PHV driver licence.
• A slot at a TfL test centre—computer only.
• 36 questions to answer: multiple-choice plus sentence gaps.
• 60% to pass—that’s 22 right.
• All answers are straight from the PHV Driver Handbook.
• £36 first go, £16 retake (2025 rates, check portal).

Have no handbook? There is no chance. Remember, the PHV Driver Handbook isn’t just paperwork; it’s your guide to pass the SERU test and keep your licence active. Therefore, arrive early, stay calm, and give yourself time to focus. These regulations are your road map to making a clean, legal income as a trustworthy London driver; they are not meaningless paperwork. When you know the handbook, you don’t just pass the test—you prove you’re professional, prepared, and serious about doing the job right.

Who Needs to Complete the SERU Test?

Who’s in the hot seat?

• Every new PHV applicant since October 2021.
• Existing drivers when TfL pings you—waves ran through 2024-25.
• Anyone flagged for English skills got called early.

Miss your invite, and your licence goes on ice. Even in November 2025, renewals still trigger the SERU check. One driver ignored his letter — badge suspended, income gone. So, please don’t sleep on it!

What Topics Are Covered in the SERU Assessment?

Straight from the PHV Driver Handbook, mate:

• Licensing – your duties, badge rules.
• Bookings – logs, legal fares.
• Safety – passengers, kids, your own neck.
• Equality – wheelchairs, guide dogs, zero discrimination.
• Road rules – where to stop, rank, and idle.

The questions feel real — like, “A passenger says they’re drunk — what do you do?” That’s why studying equality and safety properly pays off. One driver even said, “It made me a better person, not just a driver.” That’s the kind of result you want — knowledge that sticks and earns respect on the road.

If you want the full lowdown on everything you need to know, check out our detailed guide: All About TfL Online Assessment (SERU). It covers topics, tips, and preparation strategies to help you pass confidently.

How to Register for the SERU Test with TfL

Easy peasy:

1. Wait for TfL’s email or log into the Taxi & Private Hire portal.
2. Click “Manage my bookings” → “New appointments”.
3. Pick a date, pay £36, and save the confirmation.

A matter of concern is those TfL test places are limited, so book early. If something comes up, don’t worry; it can be cancelled or rescheduled with no hassle. Furthermore, the latest version of the TfL booking portal now sends text reminders, which makes it even easier to stay on track. In the end, staying organised from the start keeps your SERU journey smooth and stress-free.

What Documents Do You Need for the SERU Assessment?

Pack light:

• Booking confirmation email/letter.
• Photo ID—passport or UK driving licence.
• Anything extra TfL mentioned.

Forgot ID? Turned away. Therefore, double-check the night before the exam. Nothing is more stressful than arriving unprepared.

How Is the SERU Test Marked and Scored?

The SERU test is fully computer-based, with 36 questions shown on-screen. You’ll tick boxes, fill in blanks, and need at least 60% to pass. Some TfL centres let you access the handbook during the test — use it wisely, not as a crutch. Once you finish, your results go straight to TfL, updating your record instantly. One of our drivers even scored 80% and fist-bumped the screen in relief. Therefore, aim high!

What Happens If You Fail the SERU Assessment?

You might feel gutted after failing, but it’s not the end. You can retake the SERU test for just £16—a fair deal for a second shot. However, if you miss your deadline, TfL can suspend or even refuse your licence. And with London’s current backlog, that can drag on for weeks. The smart move is to aim for a first-time pass and save yourself the stress. One driver we coached failed the first time, studied harder, and passed on the second go. He laughed afterwards, saying, “Best £16 I ever spent.”

How Can You Prepare for the SERU Test?

Your battle plan:

• Read the PHV Driver Handbook cover to cover. Highlight safety and equality.
• Smash mock tests—36 questions, timed. Free ones online.
• Drill computer basics—mouse, scroll, and read fast.
• Quiz yourself daily—30 mins, no excuses.

We coached a driver who went from 45% on mock tests to 76% on the real thing. If they can do it, you can too!

Final Thoughts: Meeting the SERU Test Requirements for Private Hire Drivers

The SERU assessment test isn’t a hurdle—it’s your badge of honour. Handbook in hand, portal booked, ID ready, 60% target. Tick, tick, tick. You’re TfL-approved, streets are safer, and your wallet is happier. In recent times, London has been more vibrant than ever. Therefore, try to pass SERU, and you’re part of the elite. Once a post-pass cabbie told me, “Feels like I’ve levelled up.” Hope that buzz is yours, too! Any questions, holler. Now go book that slot and own the road.

Want to boost your score and keep your badge safe? Training Tale’s SERU Preparation Exam Course gives you everything to pass the first time. 

FAQs

1. How to pass the SERU test for TfL?

• Read the PHV Driver Handbook carefully, practise mock tests, focus on safety, equality, and regulations, and improve your reading and computer skills.
  

2. How hard is the SERU test?

• It’s moderately challenging if you prepare. Most drivers pass with proper study and practice.
  

3. What is the pass mark for the SERU assessment?

• You need to score at least 60% to pass the SERU test.
  

4. What happens if I don’t pass the SERU exam?

• You can retake it for a lower fee, but TfL may suspend, refuse, or not renew your licence until you pass.
  

5. What is the number one reason for failing a driving test?

• The most common reason is not observing or responding correctly to traffic signs and road rules.
  

6. Who is exempt from SERU assessment?

• No new PHV drivers are exempt; some existing drivers were given specific deadlines or exemptions if English proficiency was already proven.
  

7. What is the most common failure in a driving test?

Failing to check mirrors, signals, or blind spots properly is the most frequent reason.

8. How long is the SERU exam?

• The test usually takes about 45–60 minutes, depending on reading speed and familiarity with the handbook.
  

9. What are instant fails on the driving test in the UK?

• Major mistakes like dangerous driving, hitting a kerb, or failing to stop at red lights are instant fails.
  

10. Is the SERU test open-book?

• Some centres allow the PHV Driver Handbook on-screen, but you must know where to find information quickly.