TfL topographical assessment explained
What it is
The topographical assessment is a TfL test of your ability to read a map, find locations in Greater London and plan a route between them. It is a separate paper from SERU and the English speaking and listening test. All three sit inside the TfL PHV driver licence process under the post-2023 regime. Exemptions are narrow and written into TfL's topographical assessment guidance.
How it applies to you
For anyone going through TfL to drive Uber, Bolt, Addison Lee or FREE NOW in London, topographical is one of three gated tests. The fee has historically been £40 for a first attempt and £30 for a resit, per TfL material. The 2025-26 figure is not clearly listed on the updated TfL page, so you must confirm the live price when you book. TfL delivers the test at approved test centres and you use a London A-Z or similar under exam conditions. The test is not the Knowledge, which is for black cab drivers. You do not need to memorise every street in London. You do need to be able to work out a sensible route using a map, identify boroughs, name key landmarks and understand the road network well enough to drive a new passenger without getting lost. For a 22 year old aiming at £42,000 turnover in London, failing topographical repeatedly is a serious cost in test fees and lost driving time. Pass it, and you can combine it with SERU (£36) and the speaking and listening test (£36) to clear the exam stack for roughly £112 if you pass first time. A Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Wolverhampton badge does not substitute. Scottish licensing under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 runs a separate system, and an English out-of-London badge does not let you lawfully accept London PHV work. TfL is the sole authority for Greater London and topographical is non-transferable.
Action steps
- Buy or download a current London A-Z and practise plotting routes by hand.
- Study the borough structure, major arteries, stations and hospitals.
- Sit topographical, SERU and the speaking and listening test close together to keep the rhythm.
- Budget for the £40 first attempt fee plus £30 resit in case you need it.
- Do not assume an out-of-London licence will let you work Uber in London.
What it is
The topographical assessment is a TfL test of your ability to read a map, find locations in Greater London and plan a route between them. It is a separate paper from SERU and the English speaking and listening test. All three sit inside the TfL PHV driver licence process under the post-2023 regime. Exemptions are narrow and written into TfL's topographical assessment guidance.
How it applies to gig workers
For anyone going through TfL to drive Uber, Bolt, Addison Lee or FREE NOW in London, topographical is one of three gated tests. The fee has historically been £40 for a first attempt and £30 for a resit, per TfL material. The 2025-26 figure is not clearly listed on the updated TfL page, so you must confirm the live price when you book. TfL delivers the test at approved test centres and you use a London A-Z or similar under exam conditions.
The test is not the Knowledge, which is for black cab drivers. You do not need to memorise every street in London. You do need to be able to work out a sensible route using a map, identify boroughs, name key landmarks and understand the road network well enough to drive a new passenger without getting lost. For a 22 year old aiming at £42,000 turnover in London, failing topographical repeatedly is a serious cost in test fees and lost driving time. Pass it, and you can combine it with SERU (£36) and the speaking and listening test (£36) to clear the exam stack for roughly £112 if you pass first time.
A Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Wolverhampton badge does not substitute. Scottish licensing under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 runs a separate system, and an English out-of-London badge does not let you lawfully accept London PHV work. TfL is the sole authority for Greater London and topographical is non-transferable.
What you should do about it
- Buy or download a current London A-Z and practise plotting routes by hand.
- Study the borough structure, major arteries, stations and hospitals.
- Sit topographical, SERU and the speaking and listening test close together to keep the rhythm.
- Budget for the £40 first attempt fee plus £30 resit in case you need it.
- Do not assume an out-of-London licence will let you work Uber in London.
Last reviewed
19 April 2026
Internal links this page emits (3-5):
- SERU assessment explained
- Scottish licensing legislation
- full TfL PHV licensing guide
- licensing cost calculator
- Uber complete guide
Primary source used:
Research/Gap/G8.1c-scotland-london.md
Before you leave
Sources
- TfL topographical skills assessment guidance
- Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998
- TfL private hire driver licensing requirements
- TfL SERU and English language testing pages
- Greater London Authority Act 1999
- Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982