How to pass the TfL topographical test

If you're aiming to become a private hire driver in London, the TfL topographical test is a crucial part of the journey. Whether you’re planning to drive for Uber or another platform, obtaining a Private Hire Driver (PCO) license is required — and passing this test is a key step in the process.

Don’t worry; it’s manageable with the right preparation, and thousands of drivers pass it each year. Plus, if you don’t succeed on the first try, you have the chance to retake it.

What Is the TfL topographical test?

The TfL topographical test is a map-reading exam designed to ensure drivers can navigate London using a map or atlas. It’s vital in a city as vast as London, where understanding routes and directions is essential for providing efficient transport services, and importantly, knowing alternative routes to take if there’s a delay or an incident that’s causing congestion on your initial route.

The test assesses your ability to read a map, understand compass points, and plan routes effectively, ensuring you have the skills to serve passengers reliably by being able to navigate your way around London without a satnav, should you ever need to do so.

The topographical test is one of three TfL tests that London private hire drivers must pass to get a PCO licence. The other TfL exams you need for a PCO licence are:

• The two-part English Language Requirement (ELR)

• The Safety, Equality, and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment.

Who needs to take the topographical test?

Almost everyone applying for a PCO license is required to take this test, with few exceptions. If you're an existing licensed taxi driver, you may be exempt, but for the majority - including those driving for Uber, Bolt, and similar services - the test is a required step in the application process.

How much does the test cost?

The cost of the topographical test is currently £36. You’ll need to achieve a score of at least 60 out of 100 to pass. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, don’t worry - many drivers retake the test successfully. If you need to retake the test, the cost comes down to £16.

How to book the test

Once you apply for your PCO license, you'll be invited to take the topographical test. The booking must be made online through the Transport for London (TfL) portal. You’ll need to ensure you’re ready before your test date, as passing the assessment is necessary for your license approval. The test will take place at one of the TfL-approved assessment centres across London.

1. PCO Vehicle Inspection North London

• Address: Unit 2, Watermill Business Centre, Edison Road, Enfield, London, EN3 7XF

• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 7am to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: Closed

2. PCO Vehicle Inspection West London

• Address: NSL Inspection Centre, Unit 20a, Airlinks, Spitfire Way, Heston, TW5 9NR

• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 7am to 4pm, Saturday & Sunday: Closed
  

3. PCO Vehicle Inspection Central London (West)

• Address: Unit 2 Aquarius Business Park, Priestley Way, Staples Corner, London, NW2 7AN

• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 7am to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: Closed

4. PCO Vehicle Inspection East London

• Address: Unit 10 Segro Park, Rainham, RM13 8HY

• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 7am to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: Closed

5. PCO Vehicle Inspection South-East London

• Address: Unit 13 & 14, Klinger Industrial Park, Edgington Way, Sidcup, DA14 5AF

• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 7am to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: Closed

What’s in the test?

The test has four sections designed to assess different aspects of map-reading and navigation:

• Using the index: You'll be asked to locate points using a map index. These questions test your knowledge of using indexes within an atlas – you’ll get an atlas and you’ll need to find certain locations in the index. You’ll have to note the grid reference and page number of a given location in your answer.

Places are usually arranged in alphabetical order in any index, so it’s just a matter of scrolling through the index until you find the location you need.

Question example: Identify the grid reference and page number of Fleet Street, London.

• Understanding directions: This section checks your ability to understand directional instructions on a map. This is an extremely helpful skill to have, as London is constantly changing and developing.

The questions will test your ability on how to use maps within an atlas and require you to give the general direction from one point to another. You’ll get a map, a starting point, and a destination. You’ll need to figure out whether the destination is to the North, East, South, or West of the starting point.

Question example: What direction is Gatwick Airport from Tower Bridge?

• Route planning:  For short, medium, and long journeys. Better route planning can save you time in your journeys, meaning you can earn more money every day by taking less time to complete rides.

These questions will test your ability to plan a route between two locations. It’s similar to the previous section in that you’ll get a map with a starting and ending point, but the task is a bit more complex: you’ll have to plan a detailed route, not just give the general direction.

This section weighs the most in your final score, so give yourself enough time to find the most direct routes and double-check that your solutions don’t violate any traffic rules, such as going the wrong way down a one-way street. It’s also essential that you arrive precisely to the destination – a nearby drop-off works with most passengers in real life, but in the test, you must arrive at the exact address.

Question example: What is the most direct route from Shoreditch Square to The London Eye?

• Using compass points: You’ll need to demonstrate knowledge of compass directions to navigate efficiently.

There will be scenario-based questions using compass points. Similarly to Section 2, you’ll need to be comfortable with the basic directions (North, South, East, and West) and translate instructions to find your way around maps.

Question example: You start at junction 4 and travel one street North. Then you travel two streets East. What junction number are you at now?

How to prepare for the test

There are many resources to help you prepare, including free online training from Uber and mock tests available on various websites. You can also access free TfL topographical test practice guidelines and a video that lets you know what to expect, or consider using the Master Atlas of Greater London to get comfortable with map reading. Paid training courses are available but not necessary if you use the free resources effectively. For instance, Uber's Green Light Hub offers free training for the test.

You’ll have 90 minutes to complete the 25 questions in the test, so take your time. You can also go back and review or change your answers before submitting.

The multiple choice questions make up 25% of your total score, while the four route-planning questions account for a significant 75%, so be sure to allocate ample time to practice the route-planning section.

Recommended search terms to find helpful resources:

• TfL topographical test practice free

• TfL topographical test answers

• TfL topographical test questions

• TfL topographical test software

Reading a map: A quick guide

If it’s been a while since you used a map, here are a few basics to get you started:

• Grid references: Use the grid on a map to pinpoint specific locations.

• Compass directions: North, South, East, and West are essential for navigating routes. Many tests will require you to understand how to orient yourself using compass points.

• Landmarks and roads: Pay close attention to significant landmarks, as well as the roads and highways marked on your map.

There are a variety of topographical mock tests available online that can further sharpen your map-reading skills.

Test pass rate and how you can succeed

With over 108,000 drivers in London currently in possession of a PCO license, it's clear that passing the test is a realistic and achievable goal. By using the aforementioned resources available to you and practicing for the test, anyone can pass this exam and start their career as a rideshare driver in London. Start preparing today and take the first step towards earning your PCO license.

Good luck, and remember, anyone can pass with the right preparation.

About Splend

At Splend, we believe in drivers. We know their vehicles need to work harder than most; that they drive more miles than most; that their insurance is hefty; their maintenance costs high and that they can face unreasonable finance rates – which is a heavy load to carry on their own.

That’s why at Splend, we exist to support rideshare drivers with a new model, that takes all those car ownership costs, and provides them for less, with lower purchase prices, better rates, lower servicing and insurance costs – all for one weekly repayment, all in one place.