The topographical assessment: format, marks and pass mark

The topographical assessment is one of the mandatory assessments for a London private hire driver licence. TfL now publishes guidelines that describe how it works. This guide explains them in plain English, says who does not have to take it, and is clear about what TfL has not published.

Who has to take it

TfL's licence page says private hire applicants must take the topographical skills assessment as part of their application. It lists three groups who may be exempt:

• previously licensed PHV drivers who have passed a TfL topographical skills test
• licensed London taxi drivers (All London and Suburban)
• professional London tourist guides, such as Blue Badge driver guides

The same page says an exemption for people with a relevant vocational qualification was removed on 1 February 2020. If you think you are exempt, check the licence page before you book.

What the assessment is made of

TfL's guidelines say the assessment has several sections that test your understanding of maps and route planning. They are:

• route planning essentials (true or false questions based on a route planning scenario)
• planning a route between two locations
• understanding map symbols
• finding places of interest
• finding specific streets
• identifying road numbers
• knowledge of compass points and directions

The route-planning questions

You use a digital map to plan a direct route. A green marker shows the start and a red marker shows the end. There are three route questions: one short route, one short route with a road closure, and one long route. TfL stresses reading each question carefully.

These questions carry the most marks. TfL says you can lose marks for:

• not starting or ending in the correct place
• planning the route in reverse
• not following the most direct route
• following a route or making a turn that the symbols on the map prohibit

The guidelines say each route is marked by a skilled assessor and then checked by a different assessor. The points for each question are shown within the assessment.

The multiple-choice questions

The remaining questions are multiple choice. Some have one answer and some have two, and the question makes that clear. You look at an on-screen image of a map. TfL says you may also be asked to use a map reference page that is provided for you and explains what the map symbols mean.

Marks and pass mark

The guidelines say the assessment is scored out of 100. Sixty-six of those are for the three route-planning questions and the other 34 are split between the multiple-choice questions. The pass mark is 60% or above. Because the routes carry roughly two thirds of the marks, route planning matters more than any other part.

How to prepare, using only what TfL says

1. Read the guidelines. The PDF is short and is the official description.
2. Watch TfL's short video. TfL's assessment page links a video on what to expect and a guide to plotting a route.
3. Get comfortable with a mouse. TfL says the assessment is computer based.
4. Learn the basics of map reading. The guidelines name map symbols, compass points, road numbers, streets and places of interest as tested topics.
5. Take care with road closures and turn bans. TfL names both as ways to lose marks.

Beyond that, general practice with any map of London helps, but that is our suggestion, not TfL's advice. We do not publish real assessment questions, and no practice you find online is TfL's own material unless TfL says so.

Booking, location and fees

TfL's page says topographical testing is currently done at its driver assessment centre at Pier Walk, and links centre guidance to read before you go. The assessment has a first-attempt fee and a separate re-sit fee on TfL's page. We keep fee figures in one place, so see our fees overview or the licence cost calculator, and confirm on TfL's page.

Adjustments

TfL says it offers reasonable adjustments tailored to the individual. If you have a disability or condition that needs adjustments, TfL says you will be invited to give a brief outline and documented evidence from a relevant professional. Its page gives an email address for this. Contact TfL early.

What we could not confirm

• The time allowed and the total number of questions. They are not in TfL's guidelines or on its assessment page. Some commercial sites quote figures. We could not match them to TfL, so we have not used them.
• What to bring on the day, and how long results take. Check TfL's page and your booking confirmation.
• How long a pass stays valid for an application. Check TfL.

Where it fits

The other mandatory assessments are English language and SERU. See how to get a PHV licence for the whole process, SERU explained and the SERU practice hub for the safety and regulations test, and the English language requirement. TfL's March 2026 licensing update says applications cannot move to final review until the assessments are passed, so booking early helps. Our licence delays guide covers that notice.