TFL SERU TEST: What’s the pass mark and how many goes do I get to pass?
Updated: 15 minutes ago
The Safety, Equality, and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) test is now a critical part of Transport for London’s (TfL) licensing process for private hire drivers and will soon be for taxi drivers too.
Initially introduced for private hire drivers, the test is set to apply to taxi drivers from 1 October 2025, with the aim of reinforcing TfL’s commitment to passenger safety and professional standards in the industry.
The assessment is designed to evaluate knowledge in key areas such as passenger safety, compliance with regulations, and operational competence. It ensures that drivers understand legal responsibilities, safeguarding practices, and how to respond to unexpected or potentially risky situations. This test builds on the English language requirement, aiming to improve both communication and the overall passenger experience.
The SERU test consists of 37 questions, including multiple-choice, sentence completion, and reading comprehension tasks. Candidates have 45 minutes to complete it and must score at least 60% to pass. With a fee of £36 for the test and £16 for a re-sit, it is a relatively low-cost but important measure to uphold TfL’s standards.
How Many Attempts Do Drivers Get?
Currently private hire drivers are allowed two attempts to pass the SERU test. If they fail twice, their licence application is cancelled, and they must reapply, paying the full application fees. This process may also include retaking the English Language Requirement test and providing updated documents.
TaxiPoint has contacted TfL for comment to learn more about whether any further new criteria will be introduced for taxi drivers renewing their licences once the requirement goes live. The Taxi Driver Handbook is set to be updated before 1 October 2025.
How Challenging is the Test?
The SERU test is said to be designed to assess professional readiness rather than catch candidates out. However, preparation is required. Familiarity with TfL regulations, safety protocols, and the English language significantly impacts a candidate’s ability to pass. TfL offers learning materials to support candidates, and studying these resources is highly recommended.
While achieving the 60% pass mark is more than attainable, especially for those renewing and already working in the industry, the test’s time pressure and the practical focus on real-life scenarios may pose challenges to some not used to the formal test environment.
