The skills being assessed
- Using a map index to find a street or landmark and locate it by grid reference
- Reading map symbols: one-way streets, restricted turns, bus lanes, pedestrian zones, rail and Underground stations
- Planning a practical route between two points and describing it clearly
- Identifying major London landmarks, terminals, hospitals and transport hubs
- Working accurately under time pressure
How to practise without a classroom
The single best piece of preparation costs almost nothing: get hold of a London street atlas and use it daily. Pick two random places, find both in the index, locate them on the correct page and grid square, then plan the route in writing.
Do this ten minutes a day and the mechanics become automatic. The people who struggle in the assessment are almost always the ones fumbling with the index rather than the ones who do not know London.
Learn the anchors first
Fix the big reference points in your head — the mainline terminals, the airports, the major hospitals, the river crossings and the main arterial roads. Everything else hangs off those.
Think legal, not just fast
A route that ignores a one-way system or turns where you cannot turn is a wrong route, however direct it looks. Check the restrictions before you commit.
Practise writing routes out
Being able to drive somewhere and being able to describe the route step by step are different skills. Practise the second one.
What catches people out
- Relying on satnav habits and never learning to use an index properly
- Missing one-way restrictions and banned turns on the map
- Confusing similarly named roads in different boroughs
- Running out of time because index lookups are slow
- Assuming knowing your local area is enough — the assessment covers Greater London
Booking and requirements
Topographical requirements, approved assessment providers and fees are set by TfL and can change. Check the current TfL guidance for what applies to your application, and confirm exactly what you need before paying for anything.
If you are unsure whether the assessment applies to you, call us and we will talk it through based on your circumstances.
How we prepare you
Our TfL packages cover the full topographical syllabus alongside SERU, with video training and practice material so you can build the skill steadily rather than panicking the week before.
Our Gold VIP package adds the full done-for-you service: medical arranged, enhanced DBS handled, TfL fees included and your application prepared and submitted. Assessment outcomes and the licensing decision remain entirely with TfL.
Get the full training package
Our TfL Gold VIP package is our full-support option: training and study material, medical and enhanced DBS arranged, TfL fees covered and your application prepared and submitted with you. £1,250.
We prepare and support your application. The decision to grant a licence, and the outcome of every TfL assessment, always rests with Transport for London.
Frequently asked questions
Related TfL guides
SERU Test
What the Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding assessment covers.
SERU Mock Test
How to practise properly and use mock questions without memorising answers.
PCO Application
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application from start to badge.
PCO Licence Cost
The costs to budget for: TfL fees, medical, DBS and training.
TfL PCO Licensing & packages
Our main London page: training, full application support and pricing.
This guide is general information based on our day-to-day experience supporting London applicants. Rules, fees and requirements are set by Transport for London and can change — always check the current TfL guidance before you apply, and contact us if you would like help understanding your own situation.
