Transport for LondonSkills assessment
You'll have to sit an exam to demonstrate your topographical skills and personal knowledge of London. You can choose the area you wish to be assessed on, ie, the area where you live or work.
Topographical skills
You will need:
- Map reading ability
- Route selection (local) - the ability to identify and plan a route or routes within a local area of London chosen by the applicant
- Route selection (intermediate) - the ability to identify and plan a route (or routes) beyond their local area but within London
- Route selection (long distance) - the ability to identify and plan a route (or routes) to points outside London
- General topography - awareness of general geography of London, major arterial roads and locations beyond London (eg, airports, towns, cities etc)
We strongly recommend you buy a London street map and an atlas of south-east England.
Skills specification and assessment centres
Further information on the topographical testing and Public Carriage Office (PCO) accredited assessment centres can be found in:
- PCO private hire drivers topographical skills specification (PDF 183KB)
- Topographical skills assessment centres (PDF 281KB)
Drivers who are exempt
Evidence of topographical skills is not needed for:
- Licensed London private hire vehicle drivers
- London private hire vehicle driver applicants issued with a temporary permit before 1 April 2006
- Licensed London taxi drivers (all London and suburban badge holders)
- Professional London tourist guides
- Those with evidence of a recognised and relevant vocational qualification (NVQ or equivalent)
Payment
Payment should be made to the assessor for your examination and not the PCO.
