Transport for LondonSkills assessment
You'll have to sit an exam to demonstrate your topographical skills and personal knowledge of London.
Topographical skills
You will need:
- Map reading ability
- Route selection (local) - the ability to identify and plan a route within a local area of London. The applicant chooses the route
- Route selection (intermediate) - the ability to identify and plan routes beyond your local area but within London
- Route selection (long distance) - the ability to identify and plan routes to somewhere outside London
- General topography - awareness of general geography of London. This includes major roads and locations beyond the Capital - for example, airports and other cities
We strongly recommend you buy a London street map and an atlas of south-east England.
Read more about Topographical skills testing specifications (PDF 248KB)
Assessment centres
Details of Public Carriage Office (PCO) accredited assessment centres can be found in:
Topographical skills assessment centres (PDF 90KB)
Exemptions
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 licence holders)
- Professional London tourist guides
- Those with evidence of a recognised and relevant vocational qualification (NVQ or equivalent)
Payment
You should pay the assessor for your examination.
