Since October 2021, every new and renewing private hire driver in London has had to pass the SERU TfL assessment — Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding. It's a 36-question, 1-hour test with a pass mark of 30 out of 36 (about 83%). Get less than 30 right and you can't drive private hire in London.
What does SERU cover?
The TfL syllabus has six topics. The number of questions in each topic is roughly proportional:
- Safety and safeguarding — protecting passengers, especially vulnerable adults and children.
- Equality and disability awareness — Equality Act 2010, assistance dogs, accessible service.
- The driver, the operator and the passenger — roles, responsibilities and the legal relationship between them.
- Driving standards and roadworthiness — vehicle condition, MOT, insurance.
- Notifying TfL — what you must report (medical conditions, criminal convictions, address changes) and how soon.
- Map reading — basic A–Z navigation. Not the Knowledge — far simpler.
Why drivers fail SERU
Most failures come down to wording. SERU questions test whether you know exactly what TfL says, not what would feel reasonable on the road. For example:
- "Driver" and "operator" are different — never use them interchangeably.
- "Private hire" and "taxi" are different — black cabs are taxis; minicabs and Uber are private hire.
- "Pre-booked" is the only legal way private hire passengers can travel — you cannot accept a hail or wait at a rank.
Key facts to memorise
- Notify TfL within 7 days of any change of name, address, conviction or relevant medical condition.
- Assistance dogs travel free, regardless of size or breed. Refusing is a criminal offence.
- Wheelchair users must be carried at the same fare as anyone else, with no extra charge.
- You must keep your booking confirmation from your operator for the entire journey.
- Vehicles must display TfL roundel discs at the front and rear at all times.
Tips to pass first time
Read every question twice. SERU often phrases questions in the negative ("Which of the following is NOT…?") and many candidates miss the "NOT".
Practise with mocks specifically designed for SERU. Generic UK driving theory questions won't cover the TfL-specific regulations. Our SERU TfL practice tests mirror the real format with identical wording style.
Aim for 33+ in your mocks before booking the real test. The 30/36 pass mark leaves no margin and the stress of the real test typically drops your score 1–2 marks below your mock average.
Booking and re-sits
Book through TfL only. The test is online, taken in your own home with a webcam (Pearson VUE OnVue-style), or at an approved TfL centre. The fee is included in your licence application.
If you fail, you can re-sit after a short waiting period, but repeated failures may delay your licence. One pass is good for the duration of your licence — you don't have to retake at every renewal.
Start practising
Take a free SERU TfL practice test now, and explore the full Professional Certification hub for related exams like CSCS and SIA. If you drive other vehicles too, our Driving Theory guide may help.
