Topographical assessment
TfL topographical test: format, pass mark and free practice
The topographical assessment is a computer-based map test for new London private hire driver applicants. It is marked out of 100: 66 marks for three route questions and 34 marks for multiple-choice questions. The pass mark is 60%. It costs £40 the first time and £30 for a re-sit, and TfL holds it at the driver assessment centre at Pier Walk.
Try a free SERU mock
37 practice questions in 45 minutes, scored, every answer explained. No sign-up.
Start free Mock 1- Marks
- 100 in total: 66 for three route questions, 34 for multiple choice
- Pass mark
- 60% or above
- Fee
- £40 first time, £30 re-sit TfL
- Where
- TfL driver assessment centre at Pier Walk
- Format
- On a computer, using a mouse. You need a basic understanding of how to use a mouse.
What the test checks
The test checks that you can read a map and plan a route. TfL says you select and plan a route, read a map and identify locations. You use a digital map on screen. A printed map reference page explains the symbols.
New private hire applicants take it as well as SERU and the English speaking and listening test. TfL says drivers who are renewing do not take it again. Check TfL for your own situation.
The seven sections
TfL's guidelines list seven sections. The route questions carry most of the marks: 66 of the 100.
| Section | What it asks you to do |
|---|---|
| Route planning essentials | Answer true or false questions about a route planning scenario. |
| Planning a route between two locations | Plot a direct route on a digital map. The green marker is the start and the red marker is the end. There are three route questions: one short route, one short route with a road closure and one long route. |
| Understanding map symbols | Say what a symbol on the map means. The map reference page explains the symbols. |
| Finding places of interest | Find a place of interest on the map. |
| Finding specific streets | Find a named street. Some questions ask for one answer and some for two. The question says which. |
| Identifying road numbers | Identify road numbers on the map. |
| Demonstrating knowledge of compass points and directions | Show that you know compass points and directions. |
How the marks are split
The assessment is scored out of 100. The three route questions are worth 66 marks. The other questions are multiple choice and are worth 34 marks in all. You need 60% or above to pass.
TfL does not give detailed feedback on your answers and does not give out copies of the assessment.
How route marks are lost
TfL says you lose marks on a route question if you:
- do not start or finish in the right place,
- plan the route in reverse,
- do not follow the most direct route, or
- plan a route or a turn that the symbols on the map prohibit, for example a no right turn sign or a one-way street.
A topographical assessor marks each route. A second assessor then checks it. TfL's example is a route from London Zoo to Piccadilly Circus with Regent Street closed.
What TfL does not publish
TfL's guidelines do not say how many questions there are in total or how much time you have. Some websites give a number. We do not repeat those numbers, because TfL does not publish them.
Booking and reasonable adjustments
Read TfL's topographical assessment page for the latest booking details. If you need reasonable adjustments, TfL asks you to contact assessments@tph.tfl.gov.uk before you book.
TfL also has a short video on plotting a route at tfl.gov.uk/topographical. You can read the guidelines in TfL's topographical assessment guidelines (PDF).
Free map-skills practice
Our free practice tool uses a fictional town called Kingsford. It has grid squares A to H across and 1 to 8 down, street names, A and B roads, one-way streets, no-turn signs, places of interest and a map reference page. It does not use London streets, and the real assessment uses its own digital map of London.
You can practise each type of question on its own, with the answer and the reason after every question. You can also plot routes by tapping junctions on the map and see the most direct legal route next to yours.
The practice test has 15 questions: twelve multiple choice and three routes, scored out of 100 with the same split TfL publishes. Route marks are our own estimate, so your real score may differ. No sign-up, nothing stored on our side.
Questions
How many questions are in the TfL topographical test?
TfL does not publish the total number of questions or the time allowed. Its guidelines say there are three route questions and that the rest are multiple choice. Our practice test uses 3 routes and 12 multiple-choice questions.
What is the pass mark for the topographical test?
The test is marked out of 100 and the pass mark is 60% or above. Route questions are worth 66 marks and multiple-choice questions 34 marks.
Can I use sat nav in the topographical test?
TfL's guidelines describe a computer-based test with an on-screen map and a printed map reference page that explains the symbols. They do not mention a sat nav or a phone. Check TfL's page for the rules on the day.
How much is the topographical test?
TfL's price is £40 the first time and £30 for a re-sit.
Do renewing drivers take the topographical test?
TfL says new private hire applicants take it and renewing drivers do not take it again. Check TfL for your own situation.
Is the topographical test the same as SERU?
No. SERU tests your understanding of safety, equality and the rules for private hire work. The topographical assessment tests map reading and route planning. New applicants take both.
Do Uber drivers in London take the topographical test?
The test is part of TfL's licensing process for new private hire driver applicants. It is set by TfL, not by an operator. Check TfL for your own situation.
Is there a free topographical test practice?
Yes. Our free practice uses a fictional map, so it teaches map skills and not London streets. You can plot routes, answer all the multiple-choice types and take a scored practice test. No sign-up.