SERU exam day: what to expect

Before the day

Your ticks are saved on this device only. Adjustments must be agreed before you book (TfL, SERU pages).

Where and when

• The test is at TfL's assessment centre, currently 14 Pier Walk, London SE10 0ES, near North Greenwich station (Jubilee line). (TfL, SERU pages)
• You can only go in with your booking letter. Parking is hard, and bikes and e-scooters are not allowed inside.
• New PHV drivers usually take the topographical test and the English speaking and listening test on the same day. Allow about 3.5 hours. See the topographical test guide.

What to bring, and the rules in the room

• Bring: your original photo ID (no photocopies), your booking letter and a payment card. (TfL, Notice 06/25)
• Paying: PHV pays online when booking. Taxi pays on the day, by card. American Express is not accepted. (TfL, Notice 06/25)
• Your phone: you hand it in before the test. Candidates also say a photo is taken.
• No notes: you can't bring notes or your own handbook, and you can't make notes. (TfL, taxi video 2025)
• Mouse only: you answer with the mouse, not the keyboard. (TfL, taxi video 2025)
• Help: don't talk to other candidates. Raise your hand if you need help. (TfL, taxi video 2025)

What the test screen looks like

1. 1The question number and the time remaining.
2. 2Multiple choice: choose one of 3 answers. Some say "Select two": tick two of 4.
3. 3Fill in the blanks: one drop-down list for each gap. Every list has the same 6 words, and you can't use a word twice.
4. 4Flag a question to come back to it. Review shows which questions are blank; click a number to go back.

Our drawing, based on TfL's videos (2024 and 2025). TfL's screen may look different.

Your time plan: two passes

36 questions in 60 minutes is about 1 minute 40 seconds for each one.

1. Pass 1, about 35 minutesAnswer what you know. Flag the rest. Don't stop on one question.
2. Pass 2, about 20 minutesGo back to your flagged questions and check them in the handbook.
3. Last 5 minutesOpen Review. Make sure no question is blank, then submit.

Taxi: 60 minutes (TfL, Notice 06/25). PHV: 60 minutes is reported by candidates, 2026; older reports say 45. Try one practice test with our strict 45-minute timer.

Open book: TfL's copy, no notes

Taxi: TfL gives you its copy of the handbook at the desk. You can't use your own copy. (TfL, Notice 06/25) PHV: TfL started an open-book trial in 2024, and candidates in 2026 say a copy is on the desk. Practise finding answers fast with the contents page: every explanation on SeruCoach shows the section and page.

Results and attempts

• PHV results: TfL tells you after the marking process. It doesn't say how long this takes. (TfL, PHV video 2024)
• Taxi results: within 15 days. (TfL, Notice 06/25)
• PHV attempts: normally 3. After a third fail, TfL normally refuses the application, and you apply again. (TfL driver policy v6.0)
• Taxi attempts: no limit, but no licence until you pass. (TfL, Notice 06/25)
• Resit fee: £30. (TfL, Notice 05/26) What happens if you fail.

Practise with the timer before the day.

12 questions · 20 minutes · no sign-up12 questions · 20 minutes

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