If you’re planning to work as a private hire driver in London, you’ll need to pass the Transport for London (TfL) English Language Requirement (ELR) test. It’s an important step on your journey towards becoming a taxi driver in the UK capital.

It’s designed to enhance the quality of service offered by all private hire drivers in London. By honing our English skills, we can communicate more effectively with passengers, providing an all-round, great customer experience.

So, let's find out how to pass the TfL English test.

Who needs to pass the test?

Every driver who wants to work for Uber or drive a taxi in London needs to take the TfL English test. If you applied for a new PHV driver's licence on or after 1st April 2023, you’ll need to take and pass both the English language speaking and listening test, and the SERU assessment, before you can be licensed.

If you’re an existing PHV driver looking to renew your licence, you’ll also need to take these tests.

The English Language Requirement (ELR)

In 2016, TfL changed things up by introducing the English Language Requirement (ELR). This move was to ensure that all private hire drivers can communicate effectively in English.

This rule applies to all new applications for private hire drivers' licences received by TfL on or after 14th October 2016, including applications for both renewal and new licences.

The ELR is a two-part process: a speaking and listening test, and a Safety, Equality, and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment. The speaking and listening test is a 15-20 minute conversation conducted via a secure video or telephone link. The SERU assessment evaluates your reading and writing skills based on the PHV Driver's Handbook.

Let's explore the tests in more detail.

The speaking and listening assessment

The speaking and listening test is a friendly 15–20 minute conversation taken at a TfL Driver Assessment Centre, via a secure video or telephone link, with PeopleCert (TfL’s service provider).

You can learn more about the test and what to expect on the day on the PeopleCert website.

Reading and writing assessment: SERU

The SERU assessment is your chance to showcase your reading and writing skills.

The assessment uses content taken from the PHV Driver Handbook, focusing on four key areas:

• Equal treatment – Understanding the requirements of passengers with protected characteristics, such as race or disability.
  
  
• Ensuring safety – Knowledge on protecting vulnerable passengers, including children and adults at risk.
  
  
• Road and vehicle regulations – Becoming familiar with the rules around licence tests and public safety.
  
  
• Professional conduct – Learning about TfL's policies for PHV drivers, including appropriate behaviour while on duty.

Preparing for the test

If English isn’t your first language, there are lots of resources available online to help you improve your English skills. Some colleges offer English courses for people on a low income, or who are in receipt of benefits such as Job Seeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance. Some councils also offer free English courses, or extra advice and support if you need it. You can also find a number of free online resources, including Skillswise by the BBC.

How much does the TFL test cost?

In 2023, the TFL speaking and listening test costs £36 when taken for the first time, or £16 for a re-sit. The SERU assessment also costs £36 when taken for the first time, or £16 for a re-sit.

Who doesn’t need to take the TFL test?

Not everyone has to take the test. If a disability makes it tough for a driver to take and pass the speaking and listening assessment test, they might be exempt from these parts of the ELR.

To consider this, TfL needs some supporting evidence. This could be a note from a doctor, consultant, or educational psychologist that confirms the driver's disability, and explains why it prevents them from taking the test.

For instance, one group that's already on the exemption list are drivers who are permanently profoundly deaf.

But remember, exemptions aren't for everyone. They won't be granted if reasonable adjustments can be made to help an applicant take the test, if an applicant's English language skills aren't up to scratch, or for financial reasons.

TfL is all about fairness and consistency. They offer a range of reasonable adjustments tailored to each driver to make sure the assessments are carried out fairly and consistently.

If you have a disability or condition which means you'll need adjustments to be made at your assessment, you should let TfL know before you make a booking.

To apply for an exemption, you'll need to complete and submit a form, which you can request from TfL. You'll also need to provide the right supporting evidence (any costs associated with that will need to be covered by you).

Frequently asked questions

Is the TFL test challenging?

The TFL test is designed to assess your English language skills. So, the difficulty really depends on how well you speak, listen and write English when you take the test. The point of the test is to make sure that all private hire drivers can effectively communicate in English with their passengers. By working on their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills before the test, most drivers should find it fairly manageable.

Do Uber drivers have to take the TFL language test?

Yes, Uber drivers, like all private hire drivers in London, are required to take and pass the TfL language test. This is part of the English Language Requirement introduced by Transport for London in 2016.

Do private hire drivers have to take the TFL language test?

Yes, they do. All private hire drivers, including Uber drivers, applying for a new licence or renewing an existing one in London are required to take and pass the TfL language test. This is to ensure a high standard of communication across the industry.

What does the TFL language test cover?

The TfL language test, also known as the English Language Requirement (ELR), covers four main areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It's designed to help private hire drivers communicate effectively with their passengers.

How can I prepare for the TFL language test?

There are lots of online resources to help you prepare for the TFL language test. Some councils offer free English courses, or advice on courses and available support. There are also a number of free online resources, including Skillswise by the BBC, that can help you hone your English skills.

How much does the TFL language test cost?

As of 2023, the speaking and listening test costs £36 when taken for the first time (or £16 for a re-sit). The SERU assessment, which checks your reading and writing skills, also costs £36 when taken for the first time (and £16 for a re-sit).

Can I be exempt from taking the TFL language test?

Yes, there are certain exemptions that can mean you don’t have to take the test. For instance, if a disability prevents a driver from taking and passing the speaking and listening test, they may be exempt from these parts of the ELR.

To consider an application for an exemption, TfL will ask the applicant to provide supporting evidence that they are disabled and that their disability prevents them from taking and passing either one of the assessments.

What happens if I fail the TFL language test?

If you fail the TFL Language test, you can simply retake it. The cost for a re-sit is £16 for both the speaking and listening test and the SERU assessment. Before retaking the test, it's important to check how you did in the first test, so you can identify areas where you need to improve before attempting it again.

Where can I take the TFL language test?

The TFL language test is taken at a TfL Driver Assessment Centre via a secure video or telephone link to their service provider, PeopleCert. You can find out more about what to expect on the day on the TfL website.

Does Uber pay the London congestion charge?

Uber drivers will need to pay the London congestion charge when they drive within the charge zone during certain hours of the day. However, Uber introduced a £1.50 Central London Fee that is added to every trip that starts, ends, or passes through the congestion charge zone, 24 hours a day.

Do electric cars pay the congestion charge?

Fully-electric cars are exempt from the congestion charge until December 2025. After this date, Transport for London (TfL) plans to retire the green vehicle discount and require all drivers to pay the daily fee regardless of their car's emissions category.

Do taxi drivers have to pay the congestion charge?

Private hire vehicles (PHVs), including taxis, are not exempt from the congestion charge. PHV drivers and operators will need to pay the congestion charge if they travel within the zone during charging hours.

Do I have to pay the congestion charge if I don't drive?

The congestion charge only applies when you actually drive your car in the congestion zone during the congestion charge period. If you leave your car in a car park for a few days, you don't have to pay the congestion charge on the days you don't use your car.

How do I avoid paying the London congestion charge?

You can avoid having to pay the congestion charge by planning your visit properly, using a free parking app, understanding the Congestion Charge Zone map, or opting for a fully electric car.

What’s the best way to pay the London congestion charge?

The best way to pay the London congestion charge is through TfL’s automated payment system, Auto Pay. Once registered, TfL automatically checks whether you need to pay the Congestion Charge and ULEZ charge, and if you drive within the zone, it will automatically charge you via your Auto Pay service.