If you want a PCO licence in London, the topographical skills assessment is one test you cannot skip. Good topographical test training is often the difference between passing first time and losing weeks to a resit. Many strong drivers fail simply because they have never planned a route on paper under exam conditions.
The good news: this is a very learnable test. With the right practice, most people pass comfortably.
In this guide we explain what the TfL topographical assessment involves, who has to take it in 2026, the types of questions to expect, and how our 1-to-1 training in Southall gets 99% of our students through.
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Call Now — Free Advice 07932 902 132 or landline: 020 4618 0167 · Mon–Sat 9am–5pmWhat is the topographical skills assessment?
The topographical assessment is a map reading and route planning test for private hire (PCO) driver applicants in London. It checks that you can find locations, read a street map or atlas, and plan a sensible route between two points before you start driving passengers for companies like Uber, Bolt or FreeNow.
The test is computer-based and is run under exam conditions by a TfL examiner. It is currently taken at TfL's driver assessment centre at Pier Walk, North Greenwich. The fee is £40 for your first attempt and £30 for a resit, but check TfL's current fees when you book.
Who needs to take the topographical test in 2026?
There is a lot of confusion about this online, so let us be clear. Some websites claim TfL scrapped the topographical test a few years ago and that only operators test map skills now. That is not true. In 2026, TfL still lists topographical skills as one of the three mandatory assessments for new PHV driver applicants, alongside the SERU assessment and the English speaking and listening test.
What actually changed is where you take it. Private accredited test centres were withdrawn years ago, and since November 2021 all topographical testing happens at TfL's own driver assessment centres. So no private centre can sit the test for you — but proper training before test day is still the smart way to pass.
TfL exemptions are narrow. You will not need the test if you:
- previously held a London PHV or taxi driver licence, or
- are a licensed Blue Badge tourist guide.
Everyone else applying for a new PCO licence takes it. It is one step in the wider application — see our full guide on how to apply for a PCO licence in London for the complete picture.
What the test covers: map reading, route planning and the A-Z
The assessment tests three core skills: route selection and planning, map reading, and locating destinations. Our training builds all three using A-Z style maps, the same kind of material the questions are based on.
Example question types
Expect tasks like these:
- Index and grid references — find a street, hospital or hotel in the index, then locate it on the map page using the grid reference.
- Compass directions — say whether one place is north, south-east or west of another.
- Map symbols and features — recognise stations, one-way streets, parks and other landmarks.
- Route planning — plan a sensible route from a pick-up point to a destination, listing the roads in the correct order.
- Following instructions — read a written route and work out where you would end up.
None of this is difficult on its own. The challenge is speed and accuracy under exam pressure, especially if you have always relied on sat-nav.
The assessment at a glance
| Item | Details (2026) |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | TfL — one of three mandatory PHV driver assessments |
| Format | Computer-based, exam conditions, TfL examiner |
| Where | Currently TfL's driver assessment centre, Pier Walk, North Greenwich |
| Fee | £40 first attempt, £30 resit (check current TfL fees) |
| Skills tested | Route planning, map reading, locating destinations |
| Exempt | Previously licensed London PHV/taxi drivers, Blue Badge tourist guides |
How our 1-to-1 topographical training works
Searching for topographical training near me from West London? Our centre is in Southall, on Uxbridge Road, minutes from Southall station. Drivers come to us from Hayes, Hounslow, Ealing, Greenford, Wembley and across London.
Here is how we prepare you:
- Free assessment of your level. We check your map reading and English comfort first, then build a plan around you. No group classes — every session is 1-to-1.
- Core skills, step by step. Index searches, grid references, compass points, symbols and route planning — taught in plain English, at your pace. Many of our students speak English as a second language, and our trainers are used to that.
- Real practice questions. You work through mock tests in the same style as the TfL assessment, against the clock, until you pass them comfortably.
- Test-day guidance. We tell you exactly what to expect at the assessment centre, so there are no surprises.
The result: a 99% pass rate and a 5.0 rating on Google. We also offer flexible payment plans, so cost never blocks your start.
How we can help you pass first time
The topographical test in London is very passable — with preparation. Walk in cold and you risk a £30 resit and weeks of extra waiting for your licence. Train with us and you walk in knowing exactly what to do.
We can also handle the rest of your application: SERU training with our 24/7 practice platform, the English test, the TPH/204 medical with a GMC-endorsed doctor, the enhanced DBS and full application support. One centre, everything sorted. Call us or book a visit — we will tell you honestly what you need.
Pass Your Topographical Assessment First Time
1-to-1 topographical test training in Southall — 99% pass rate, flexible payment plans. Book your first session today.
Call 07932 902 132 Office F4, Unit 4, Triangle Centre, 399 Uxbridge Road, Southall UB1 3EJFrequently Asked Questions
How much does the TfL topographical test cost?
TfL charges £40 for the first attempt and £30 for a resit at the time of writing, but always check TfL's current fees before you book. Training is separate: we will explain our 1-to-1 training options and prices when you call 07932 902 132.
Where do I take the topographical assessment in London?
The assessment is computer-based and is currently taken at TfL's driver assessment centre at Pier Walk, North Greenwich. You book it with TfL as part of your PCO licence application. We prepare you for it at our training centre in Southall, West London.
What happens if I fail the topographical test?
You can book a resit with TfL, which currently costs £30. Every failed attempt adds weeks of delay to your PCO licence, so it is worth training properly before your next try. Our 1-to-1 topographical training has a 99% pass rate and covers everything the assessment tests.