SERU glossary

Words from the PHV handbook, explained in plain English.

The test doesn't ask what these words mean, but knowing them helps you read the questions. Definitions are in our own words.

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A

Allergic (adj): Having a bad reaction in the body, such as sneezing, a rash or swelling, after contact with something like food, animals or dust.; Example: The driver has a medical exemption because he is allergic to dogs.; Section 8
Anonymous (adj): Done without giving your name or any details that could show who you are.; Example: You can report a crime anonymously if you prefer not to give your name.; Section 9
Approved child car seats (n): Seats made for children of a certain age, weight or height that meet safety rules and protect them in a car, together with the seat belt.; Example: The mother brought her own approved child car seat for her toddler's journey.; Section 7
Assault (n): An attack on another person using force or violence, or making them fear they are about to be hurt.; Example: If a passenger commits an assault on you, call 999 straight away.; Section 4 Section 5
Assessment (n): A test that checks what someone knows or can do, for example the SERU test for London private hire drivers.; Example: He passed the assessment on his second try after more practice.; Section 1
Assistance dog (n): A dog trained to help a disabled person in daily life, for example by guiding a blind passenger or warning of a medical problem.; Example: The passenger's assistance dog lay quietly at her feet for the whole trip.; Section 3 Section 8
Asthma (n): A health problem that affects the airways in the lungs and can make it hard for a person to breathe.; Example: The passenger with asthma asked you to open a window for some fresh air.; Section 8
Authorised Officer (n): A person employed by TfL to check that private hire drivers, vehicles and operators follow the law and TfL rules.; Example: An authorised officer asked to see the driver's badge at the airport.; Section 1

B

Badge (n): A card with your photo and licence number that a private hire driver must wear so passengers can see who is driving.; Example: Always wear your driver's badge where passengers can see it clearly.; Section 1
Barred List (n): A record of people who are banned from working with children or adults at risk because they could cause harm.; Example: A DBS check shows if a person is on a barred list.; Section 1
Braille (n): A way of writing with patterns of raised dots on paper that blind people read by touching them with their fingers.; Example: Some operators can send receipts in Braille for passengers who cannot see.; Section 1
Brothel (n): A house or building where people pay money to have sex with someone.; Example: The police asked the driver if he had taken passengers to a brothel.; Section 9
Byelaw (n): A local rule made by a council or other local body that only applies in its own area.; Example: Airport byelaws control where private hire vehicles can stop and wait.; Section 3

C

Caution (n): A formal police warning for an adult who admits a crime; it is not a conviction, but it stays on their record.; Example: He got a police caution for a minor offence and told TfL about it.; Section 1
Charge (v): When the police formally accuse a person of a crime so that the case can go to court.; Example: The police charged the passenger with damaging the vehicle.; Section 1 Section 3 Section 6 Section 8
Civil partnership (n): A legal relationship between two people that gives them almost the same rights as a married couple.; Example: Treat every couple with equal respect, whether they are married or in a civil partnership.; Section 8
Collision (n): A crash in which a vehicle hits another vehicle, a person or an object.; Example: After a collision, stop, stay calm and swap details with the other driver.; Section 2 Section 7
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (n): A scale used across Europe to describe how well someone uses a foreign language, from beginner level A1 up to expert level C2.; Example: TfL's English requirement for drivers is set at B1 on the Common European Framework.; Section 1
Comply (v): To do what a rule, law or instruction tells you to do.; Example: Drivers must comply with every condition on their licence.; Section 1
Condition (n): A rule attached to something, such as a licence, that you must follow for it to stay valid.; Example: One condition of his licence was a yearly medical check.; Section 1 Section 2 Section 4 Section 7
Confidential (adj): Private information that must not be shared with other people without permission.; Example: Keep passenger phone numbers and home addresses confidential at all times.; Section 3
Convict (v): When a court decides that a person is guilty of a crime.; Example: The man was convicted of theft and lost his licence.; Section 1 Section 8
Conviction (n): A court decision that someone is guilty of a crime, which then stays on their criminal record.; Example: You must tell TfL about any new conviction.; Section 1
Corrosion (n): Slow damage to metal caused by air and water over time; on cars it usually appears as rust.; Example: The inspector found corrosion on the brake pipes under the car.; Section 7
Council (n): The local government that runs services and makes local rules for a borough or city area.; Example: The council put new parking restrictions on the street outside the station.; Section 6 Section 8
Cradle (n): A holder fixed in the car that keeps a phone or sat nav steady so you do not need to hold it.; Example: Put your phone in a cradle before you start the journey.; Section 7
Crime reference number (n): A number the police link to a crime after it is reported, used to follow up the case or make an insurance claim.; Example: Write down the crime reference number and give it to your operator.; Section 1

D

Designated (adj): Chosen or marked for a special purpose, such as a place set aside for pick-ups.; Example: Wait for your passenger only in the designated pick-up area.; Section 6 Section 8
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (n): The UK body that checks a person's criminal record and tells employers or licensing bodies what it finds.; Example: Every new driver must pass an enhanced DBS check before getting a licence.; Section 1
Discriminate / discrimination (v / n): To treat a person worse than others because of things like their race, religion, sex, age or disability.; Example: Refusing a passenger because of their religion is discrimination and is against the law.; Section 8
Disqualified (adj): Not allowed to do something, especially to drive, usually as a punishment from a court.; Example: He was disqualified from driving for a year after drink-driving.; Section 1
Drop off (v): To let a passenger get out of the vehicle at the place they asked to go.; Example: Drop off your passenger where it is safe and legal to stop.; Section 3 Section 6 Section 8
DVLA (n): The UK government agency in Swansea that gives out driving licences and keeps details of every driver and vehicle.; Example: Tell the DVLA when you change your home address.; Section 1

E

Emissions standards (n): Legal limits on how much harmful gas and smoke a vehicle's exhaust may produce.; Example: Your car must meet strict emissions standards to be licensed in London.; Section 6
Enforcement (n): The work of checking that people follow rules and taking action when they do not.; Example: Council enforcement officers can give you a ticket for parking illegally.; Section 6
Enhanced (adj): Made bigger, stronger or more detailed; an enhanced DBS check gives the fullest record, including cautions.; Example: TfL asks every driver to have an enhanced DBS check.; Section 1
European Economic Area (EEA) (n): A group of European countries made up of all EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.; Example: Some drivers hold a driving licence from a country in the EEA.; Section 1
Excessive (adj): More than is allowed, needed or safe, for example driving much too fast for the road.; Example: Excessive speed is a major cause of serious crashes in London.; Section 7
Exemption / exemption notice (n): Permission not to follow a usual rule; an exemption notice is the paper or sign that proves it.; Example: A driver with a medical exemption must show the exemption notice in the car.; Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 6
Expiry date (n): The last day something, such as a licence or insurance, can be used before it must be renewed.; Example: Check the expiry date on your licence and apply early to renew it.; Section 1
Exploit / exploitation (v / n): To use someone unfairly for your own gain, for example making them work for no pay or forcing them into crime.; Example: Gangs often exploit young people by making them carry drugs.; Section 9

F

Fit and proper (phrase): Suitable to hold a licence: honest, trustworthy and safe, usually with no serious criminal record.; Example: TfL must be sure a driver is fit and proper before giving a licence.; Section 1
Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) (n): A ticket for a minor driving offence, usually with a fine and penalty points, which you can pay instead of going to court.; Example: The police gave him a Fixed Penalty Notice for using his phone.; Section 1 Section 7
Fluid (n): A liquid in the car, such as engine oil, brake fluid, coolant or screenwash.; Example: Check the fluid levels under the bonnet once a week.; Section 7

G

Gender reassignment (n): When a person changes, or plans to change, from the sex they were born as to the sex they identify with.; Example: Gender reassignment is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.; Section 8
Give way (v): To slow down or stop to let other road users or pedestrians go first.; Example: Give way to people already crossing the road you are turning into.; Section 7

H

Hate Crime (n): Any crime where the offender targets a victim out of hatred for who they are, for example their race, faith, disability or sexuality.; Example: If a passenger is abused because of their religion, report it as a hate crime.; Section 4
Highway Code (n): The UK book of rules and advice for everyone who uses the roads, including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.; Example: Read the latest Highway Code to learn the newer rules about cyclists.; Section 6 Section 7

I

Inflammable (adj): Able to catch fire very easily; it means the same as flammable.; Example: Never carry inflammable liquids such as petrol in the boot.; Section 3
Information Commissioner’s CCTV Code of Practice (n): Guidance from the UK data protection regulator on using cameras legally and protecting the privacy of people who are filmed.; Example: If you fit a camera in your car, follow this code and display clear notices.; Section 4
Inspect / inspection (v / n): To look at something carefully to check it is safe, working well or following the rules.; Example: A TfL officer may inspect your vehicle to check it is safe.; Section 2
Insurance policy (n): A contract with an insurance company: you pay money regularly and they pay for loss, damage or injury covered by the deal.; Example: Your insurance policy must cover you for hire and reward work.; Section 2
Issue (v): To give out a document, such as a licence or ticket, from an authority.; Example: TfL issued her a new licence after she passed all the checks.; Section 1 Section 2 Section 5 Section 6

J

Junction (n): A place where two or more roads join or cross each other.; Example: Slow down and look carefully for cyclists at every junction.; Section 6 Section 7

K

Kerb (n): The raised edge between the road and the pavement.; Example: Stop close to the kerb so your passenger can get out safely.; Section 6 Section 8

L

Licence (n): A document from an authority that gives you permission to do something, such as drive a private hire vehicle.; Example: A PHV driver's licence usually lasts for up to three years.; Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 5
Licensed (adj): Allowed by an authority to do something, for example to carry paying passengers in London.; Example: Only licensed private hire vehicles can carry pre-booked passengers in London.; Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 5
Licensee (n): The person or company named on a licence and allowed to use it.; Example: The licensee is responsible for following every licence condition.; Handbook glossary
Licensing (n): The system of checking people or vehicles and giving them licences.; Example: TfL is responsible for licensing private hire drivers, vehicles and operators in London.; Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 6
Licensing authority (n): The local body that decides who gets a licence in its area; in London this is TfL.; Example: Report any change in your health to your licensing authority.; Section 1
Loading (n): Putting goods or luggage into a vehicle, or taking them out.; Example: Help your passenger with loading heavy suitcases into the boot.; Section 6
Lone worker device (n): A small alarm or app that lets someone working alone call for help from their company or the emergency services.; Example: Some drivers carry a lone worker device for extra safety on night shifts.; Section 4

M

Manoeuvre (n): A careful driving movement, such as turning in the road, reversing or parking in a tight space.; Example: Check all around the car before starting any manoeuvre.; Section 7
Mental Health Order (n): A court or legal order setting out how a person with serious mental illness must be treated or cared for.; Example: TfL may ask about any Mental Health Order when checking a driver's history.; Section 1
MOT certificate (n): A document showing that a vehicle has passed its MOT, the yearly check of safety and exhaust emissions.; Example: Keep a copy of the vehicle's MOT certificate with your records.; Section 7

O

Obstruction (n): Something that blocks the road or path so traffic or people cannot pass easily.; Example: A delivery van left in the bus lane was causing an obstruction.; Section 6 Section 7
Operator (n): A company licensed by TfL to take private hire bookings and pass the jobs to drivers.; Example: Every booking must be accepted by a licensed operator before the trip.; Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

P

Parking bay (n): A marked space on a road or in a car park where one vehicle can park.; Example: Pull into a parking bay before you read your operator's message.; Section 6
Pedestrian clearway (n): An area of road kept free for people on foot, where vehicles must not drive, stop or wait.; Example: Never wait for a passenger on a pedestrian clearway.; Section 6
Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) (n): A fine from a council or TfL for breaking rules on parking, bus lanes, box junctions or similar.; Example: She got a Penalty Charge Notice for waiting too long in a red route bay.; Section 1 Section 6
Penalty points (n): Points put on your driving record when you commit a motoring offence; too many can lead to a driving ban.; Example: Speeding added three penalty points to his licence.; Section 1 Section 7
Phobia (n): An extreme, often unreasonable fear of something, such as dogs, heights or small spaces.; Example: A passenger with a phobia of dogs may feel upset near an assistance dog.; Section 8
PHV Authorised Vehicle Area (n): An area at an airport set aside for private hire vehicles to park while drivers wait for a pickup from their operator.; Example: At the airport, wait in the PHV authorised vehicle area, not at the taxi rank.; Section 3
Prosecute (v): To take a person to court and accuse them of a crime.; Example: The police decided to prosecute the driver for careless driving.; Section 3 Section 7 Section 8
Pulling away (v): Starting to move off from a stop, for example from the kerb or at traffic lights.; Example: Check your mirrors and blind spot before pulling away from the kerb.; Section 7

R

Rank (n): A place on the street where black cabs wait for passengers; private hire drivers must not wait there for work.; Example: Do not stop on a taxi rank to wait for your next booking.; Section 3 Section 6
Reassure (v): To help someone feel less worried or afraid by what you say or do.; Example: Reassure a nervous passenger by explaining the route before you set off.; Section 9
Registered keeper (n): The person or company listed by the DVLA as responsible for a vehicle; this is not always the legal owner.; Example: Parking tickets are sent to the registered keeper of the car.; Section 2 Section 6
Replacement licence (n): A new licence given to replace one that is lost, stolen, damaged or has details that need changing.; Example: Apply for a replacement licence quickly if yours is stolen.; Handbook glossary
Reprimand (n / v): A formal warning or telling-off for doing something wrong; as a verb, to give someone that warning.; Example: The driver received a reprimand for being rude to a passenger.; Section 1
Restriction (n): A rule that limits what you are allowed to do, such as where or when you may park or stop.; Example: Yellow lines show parking restrictions on that part of the road.; Section 1 Section 6
Revoke (v): To cancel something, such as a licence, so it is no longer valid.; Example: TfL can revoke a licence if a driver is no longer safe to carry passengers.; Section 1 Section 5 Section 6 Section 8
Running (v): Of an engine or machine: switched on and working.; Example: Do not leave the engine running while you wait outside the hotel.; Section 3 Section 6
Rusting (n): The process of iron or steel turning reddish-brown and weaker because of air and water; over time it can make holes.; Example: Rusting on the doors and wheel arches can make a car fail its inspection.; Section 7

S

Safety, equality and regulatory understanding assessment (n): The SERU test for London private hire drivers, which checks you understand road safety, equality law and the rules for the job.; Example: SERU is short for the safety, equality and regulatory understanding assessment.; Section 1
Secular (adj): Not linked to religion or to any church or faith.; Example: UK law is secular, so it applies equally to people of every faith.; Section 8
Self-employed (adj): Working for yourself instead of for an employer, and paying your own tax and National Insurance.; Example: Many private hire drivers are self-employed and send in their own tax return.; Section 1
Sexual Offences Order (n): A court order that limits what someone convicted of a sex crime may do, such as where they go or who they meet.; Example: A Sexual Offences Order would show up on an enhanced DBS check.; Section 1
Sexual orientation (n): Which sex or sexes a person is attracted to, for example being gay, lesbian, bisexual or straight.; Example: Never treat a passenger differently because of their sexual orientation.; Section 4 Section 5 Section 8
Signage (n): The signs and stickers a private hire vehicle must show, such as the TfL licence discs in the windows.; Example: Make sure all TfL signage is clean and easy to read.; Section 4 Section 6 Section 7
Standard (n): A level of quality or ability that is accepted as good enough.; Example: Your vehicle must be kept to a high standard of cleanliness and safety.; Section 1 Section 6 Section 7 Section 8
Suspend (v): To stop something for a period of time, such as a licence while a complaint is looked into.; Example: TfL suspended his licence while it looked into a serious complaint.; Section 1 Section 5 Section 6 Section 8

T

Taxi (n): In London, a black cab that can be hailed on the street, unlike a private hire vehicle, which must be booked.; Example: Only a taxi can pick up a passenger who waves from the street.; Section 1 Section 3 Section 6 Section 9
Topographical skills assessment (n): A test of whether you can read a map and plan a route from one place to another in London.; Example: She practised map reading every day before her topographical skills assessment.; Section 1
Trafficking (n): Illegal trade in people, drugs or weapons; human trafficking means moving people by force or tricks so others can use them.; Example: Report signs of human trafficking, such as a passenger who seems controlled by others.; Section 9
Tread (n): The pattern of grooves on the outside of a tyre that grips the road, especially when it is wet.; Example: Check the tread depth on all four tyres every week.; Section 7
Tyre wear bar indicators (n): Small raised bars inside a tyre's grooves; when the tread is level with them, the tyre is worn out and must be changed.; Example: If the tread is level with the wear bars, replace the tyre.; Section 7

U

Unconscious (adj): Not awake and not aware of what is happening, often after an injury, illness, alcohol or drugs.; Example: If a passenger becomes unconscious, call 999 and follow the call handler's advice.; Section 4

V

Vision-impaired (adj): Having poor sight or no sight at all, even when wearing glasses.; Example: Tell a vision-impaired passenger when you have arrived and where the door is.; Section 8
Vulnerable (adj): More likely to be hurt, harmed or taken advantage of, for example a child, or an adult who is drunk or unwell.; Example: Take extra care when a vulnerable passenger is travelling alone late at night.; Section 1 Section 7 Section 9 Section 10

W

Wheelchair accessible vehicle (n): A vehicle with a ramp or lift and space inside so a person can travel while sitting in their wheelchair.; Example: The passenger booked a wheelchair accessible vehicle for her hospital trip.; Section 8
Witness (n): Someone who saw something happen, such as a crash or crime, and can tell the police about it.; Example: A cyclist who saw the collision agreed to be a witness.; Section 4

Z

Zig-zag lines (n): Zig-zag road markings near pedestrian crossings or schools that show you must not stop or park there.; Example: Never drop off a passenger on the zig-zag lines by a crossing.; Section 6

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