English test
PCO English test: B1 speaking and listening
The PCO English test is the TfL English speaking and listening test for new London private hire applicants. It is at B1 level, it is spoken, and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the centre, says TfL. You can try a free practice below.
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Start the free English mockWhat the PCO English test is
TfL requires private hire drivers to speak English at B1 level on the CEFR scale. New applicants take a speaking and listening test. The exam is called LanguageCert International ESOL B1 (Speaking & Listening) for TfL. PeopleCert delivers it. You sit it at a TfL Driver Assessment Centre, on a secure video or telephone link to an examiner.
Reading and writing are not tested here. TfL uses your SERU result for those.
The four parts
LanguageCert lists four parts. Part 4 has two steps.
| Part | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1: Personal information | Answer questions about familiar things, such as home, work and free time. |
| 2: Social situations | Two short role plays. In one you reply. In the other you start the conversation. |
| 3: Exchanging information and opinions | Talk about pictures to make a plan or a decision. |
| 4A: Listening | Listen to a short passage, then answer three questions. |
| 4B: Long turn | Prepare for 30 seconds, then talk for 1 and a half minutes on a topic. |
More detail: test format and role plays.
Sample prompts (our own examples)
These examples are written by us. They are not from the test.
- Part 1: Tell me about the area where you live.
- Part 2: A customer says the radio is too loud. What do you say?
- Part 3: Look at the pictures of three places to meet. Which is best for a quiet lunch?
- Part 4B: Talk about a day when you helped someone.
Requirements
The fee is £40 for the first attempt and £30 for a resit. New applicants are normally allowed three attempts. The pass mark is 18 out of 30, see the pass mark page. Only two exemptions exist in the regulations, read who can be exempt. TfL lists the full requirements.
Practise online for free
Our AI examiner follows the same four parts. Feedback is estimated. You can try one set without signing up.
Questions
What is the PCO English test?
It is the TfL English speaking and listening test at B1 level. New private hire applicants take it. PeopleCert delivers it as LanguageCert B1 (Speaking & Listening) for TfL.
Is there a PCO English test practice?
Yes. LanguageCert has a practice paper and mock interviews. You can also try our free AI examiner mock. Our feedback is estimated.
Is there a PCO English test sample?
Our page shows sample prompts written by us. LanguageCert also publishes a practice paper and two mock interviews on its TfL page.
Can I take the PCO English test online for free?
You can practise online for free here. The real test is taken at a TfL Driver Assessment Centre, and it costs £40 first time.
What is the PCO B1 English test?
B1 is a level on the CEFR scale. It means you can deal with everyday situations and talk about familiar topics.
What are the PCO English test requirements?
New applicants must pass the speaking and listening test. TfL allows two exemptions in the regulations. TfL lists the full requirements on its English language requirement page.