SERU Exam Tips: 10 Easy Steps to Pass TfL’s Test for London PHV Drivers

Prepare to pass TfL’s Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) exam so you can get or keep your London private hire (PHV/PCO) licence. Many new and existing drivers feel nervous about the SERU exam, but the good news is that with the right preparation, it is very manageable. The exam is based directly on TfL’s PHV Driver Handbook, so if you study it carefully, you are already on the right track.

Passing the exam shows TfL that you can keep passengers safe, treat everyone fairly, and follow the rules of London’s PHV service. It may seem stressful, but with a clear plan, daily practice, and the right materials, you can succeed on your first attempt.

What Is the SERU Exam for London Drivers?

Know that the SERU certification test is taken on a computer. It tests your knowledge of safety, equality, assisting disabled passengers, and PHV regulations in London. TfL designed it to make sure every driver meets national safeguarding standards. It also ensures you treat all passengers fairly and follow London licensing rules properly.

The test questions come directly from the PHV Driver Handbook and other TfL guides. This means you don’t need to guess or rely on online forums or unofficial tips. So, your main study guide is the handbook. Sticking to it will give you the best chance to pass.

Why the TfL SERU Assessment Is Important for Private Hire Drivers

Treat the SERU assessment as a mandatory part of your PHV licence journey. It is not optional, and completing it shows TfL that you can handle passenger safety. Along with the equality duties and regulatory obligations, professionally.

Protect your licence by completing the SERU testing when TfL tells you. Delaying it can slow down your application or renewal, which could prevent you from driving legally. For many drivers, passing SERU is the key step between waiting for a licence and being fully licensed.

Who Needs to Take the SERU Exam in London?

Take the SERU test if you are applying for a London private hire driver licence. TfL lists it alongside the English language and topography tests. Passing all three is necessary to get your licence. Take the examination from the SERU if you are already licensed, and TfL gives you a deadline. Existing drivers must also prove they understand updated rules and safeguarding requirements.

The exam can also link to the English Language Requirement (ELR). If TfL asks, you may need to evidence your reading and writing through this assessment. So even if you passed English tests before, you might still need SERU.

Step 1: Understand What the SERU Test Covers

Read that the SERU certification tests:

• Safeguarding: Knowing how to spot risks and protect children and vulnerable adults.
• Equality: Treating passengers fairly, helping disabled people, and accepting assistance dogs.
• Regulatory duties: Understanding licensing rules, record-keeping, and legal obligations.

Focus your revision on what TfL says drivers must do and must not do. These instructions are repeated throughout the handbook. Knowing them helps you answer exam questions confidently.

Step 2: Learn the TfL SERU Test Topics and Question Areas

Study the following handbook sections carefully:

• Bookings and records: Only take bookings via licensed operators. Keep accurate records and report any changes to TfL immediately. For example, if your address or vehicle changes, you must notify TfL.
• Helping disabled passengers: Accept assistance dogs and help wheelchair users without extra charge. Know the right procedures for supporting these passengers safely and respectfully.
• Safeguarding: Learn how to spot signs of abuse or neglect and report concerns to the right authorities. TfL expects all drivers to understand safeguarding procedures clearly.

These are the sections most frequently tested in the SERU assessment. Spending extra time here will give you a strong advantage.

Step 3: How to Register and Book Your SERU Test with TfL

Log in to the TfL Taxi and Private Hire Portal when TfL emails or writes to you about your SERU exam.

• Choose a test slot at an approved TfL assessment location and confirm your booking.
• Bring the ID TfL specifies, such as a passport or driving licence.
• Be ready to pay the SERU exam fee (£36 for the first attempt; £16 for the retest, subject to change).

Booking early gives you time to revise, reduces stress, and ensures you have a convenient exam slot. Don’t leave it until the last minute, as slots may fill quickly.

Step 4: Use Official TfL SERU Assessment Study Materials and Guides

Download and read the PHV Driver Handbook carefully. TfL confirms the SERU exam is entirely based on it.

• Check TfL’s SERU page for audio guides and online learning materials if you prefer listening over reading.
• Ignore unofficial websites or out-of-date summaries. They often contain wrong or outdated information.

Official materials are your best resource. They cover all the exact rules TfL will test you on, so you won’t waste time studying irrelevant information.

Step 5: Practise with SERU Exam Mock Tests and Online Quizzes

Simulate the exam experience with practice questions covering:

• Safety rules and procedures
• Equality and disability obligations
• Complaints and record-keeping
• PHV regulations

Time yourself while practising. This helps you complete the exam comfortably within the time limit. Practising also reduces nerves and builds confidence. You can even make small notes or flashcards to test yourself on key points. Repeating the questions until they feel familiar is a great way to learn.

Step 6: Focus on Key SERU Assessment Areas – Safety, Equality, and Regulations

Prioritise these areas:

• Safeguarding: This is the most important. Know how to protect children and vulnerable passengers. Learn how to report concerns.
• Equality: Help all passengers fairly. Accept assistance dogs. Treat wheelchair users properly.
• Regulations: Know PHV rules. Understanding them helps you choose the correct TfL answer quickly.

These three areas make up most of the SERU exam questions. Focusing on them first ensures you cover the most important topics. If you want a full breakdown of what to expect, check out our guide, All You Need to Know About TfL SERU Assessments for Success. It explains everything in simple steps so you can study smarter and pass with confidence.

Step 7: How to Manage Your Time During the SERU Test

 Read each question carefully and match it to the handbook rule before answering.

• Answer simple policy questions first. Leave scenario-style safeguarding questions for later.
• Keep an eye on the on-screen timer. Make sure you leave time to review all your answers.

Time management is crucial. Many drivers lose marks not because they don’t know the answers, but because they rush or run out of time.

Step 8: Common SERU Assessment Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Let’s be honest; most people don’t fail the SERU exam because it’s too hard. They fail because of small, avoidable mistakes.

First, don’t forget your ID, as TfL is strict about this. If you show up without the right identification, you won’t be allowed to sit the exam, no matter how well you’ve studied. Therefore, double-check your documents the night before to be safe.

Second, don’t skip the equality or disability sections. Many drivers overlook these, thinking they’re less important — but TfL always includes them. Questions about helping disabled passengers, assistance dogs, and fair treatment are part of every test.

Third, avoid studying from random websites or social media summaries. Some of them share wrong or outdated information. For this reason, follow the official PHV Driver Handbook; that’s where all the real exam questions come from.

These might sound like small things, but they matter. You can save avoidable tension and retakes by paying attention to these factors. Bear in mind that a bit of care now makes test day easier and calmer later.

Step 9: What to Do If You Fail the SERU Test

Failing the SERU exam isn’t the end of the world. Many drivers do not pass the test on their first attempt. Hence, TfL provides feedback; please read it carefully. 

• Identify the topics you struggled with, such as safeguarding or regulations.
• Re-study those sections in the PHV Driver Handbook.
• Rebook your exam through the portal and pay the retest fee (£16).

Focusing on weak areas increases your chances of passing on the next attempt.

Step 10: Expert Tips to Pass the SERU Assessment on Your First Try

• Start studying as soon as TfL notifies you, not the week of the test.
• Revise in short daily sessions. This helps your memory.
• Always answer according to TfL policy, even if online practice answers differ.
• Stay calm and confident. Remind yourself that you know the rules.

These small habits make a big difference. Starting early, practising daily, and staying focused give you the best chance of passing the first time.

Final Thoughts: Start Preparing for the TfL SERU Exam Today

The SERU exam may feel stressful, but preparation makes it simple. Therefore, focus first on safeguarding, equality, and regulations, as these are the core areas.

Use the official PHV Driver Handbook, practise with mock tests, and study in short daily sessions. Also, stay confident and calm on exam day. Remember, passing the SERU tests opens the door to driving legally and safely in London. That’s why, take your time, revise properly, and approach the exam step by step. With consistent effort, passing the SERU assessment is completely achievable.

Want to nail the SERU exam? Get lifetime access to expert-led training of TFL – SERU Assessment (Preparation Exam) with our Training Tale site. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How hard is the SERU test?

• The SERU test is not too hard if you study the PHV Driver Handbook. Most questions are simple and based on TfL rules about safety, equality, and passenger care.

2. What is a SERU assessment?

• The SERU assessment is a computer test from TfL. It checks what you know about safety, equality, helping disabled passengers, and private hire rules in London.

3. What happens if you fail SERU?

• If you fail, TfL will tell you which parts you got wrong. You can study again, pay the re-test fee, and take the test one more time.

4. What is the purpose of a SERU test?

• The SERU test makes sure every private hire driver can keep passengers safe, treat people fairly, and follow TfL’s rules properly.

5. What is the pass rate for the SERU test?

• TfL doesn’t share an official pass rate, but most drivers pass if they study the PHV Driver Handbook carefully.

6. Will I fail if I can’t parallel park?

• No, the SERU test doesn’t include driving or parking. It only checks your knowledge of safety, equality, and regulations.

7. How many times can I take the SERU test?

• You can take the SERU test again if you fail. TfL allows retests after you pay the small retest fee.

8. What is the No. 1 reason for failing a driving test?

• For the standard driving test, the main reason people fail is poor observation — like missing mirrors or not checking properly at junctions.