Black cab drivers SMASHING TfL safety, equality and regulation test as private hire pass rates lag far behind
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Taxi drivers in London are passing the Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) test at far higher rates than private hire drivers, according to new data released by Transport for London (TfL) following a Freedom of Information request.
The figures, covering the period from 1 October 2025 to 2 April 2026, show that 94% of taxi driver candidates passed the SERU assessment, compared with just 54% of private hire driver applicants. The data provides one of the clearest comparisons to date between the two licensing groups under the same regulatory testing framework.
The SERU test, introduced as part of updated licensing requirements, assesses a driver’s understanding of safety, equality obligations and regulatory responsibilities. It forms a key part of TfL’s wider efforts to standardise knowledge and service expectations across both the taxi and private hire sectors.
Beyond pass rates, the gap in performance is also reflected in average scores. Taxi drivers recorded an average result of 88 out of 100, while private hire drivers achieved a notably lower average of 64. The 24-point difference suggests a substantial divergence not only in pass outcomes but also in overall comprehension levels demonstrated during the assessment.
New figures reveal a significant gap in pass rates and average scores between licensed taxi drivers and private hire drivers since October 2025
The disparity is likely to draw attention from industry stakeholders, particularly given the differing entry requirements and training pathways between the two groups. Licensed taxi drivers, commonly referred to as black cab drivers, must complete the rigorous Knowledge of London process, widely regarded as one of the most demanding geographic qualification systems in the world. This long-standing requirement may contribute to stronger performance in additional assessments such as SERU.
In contrast, private hire drivers are not required to undertake the Knowledge and typically enter the industry through a less intensive licensing route. While both groups must now pass the SERU test, the results indicate that prior training and experience may play a significant role in test outcomes.
The data may also have implications for future regulatory discussions around standards, enforcement and passenger safety. Policymakers and industry bodies have increasingly debated whether alignment between taxi and private hire requirements should be strengthened, particularly as app-based booking models continue to reshape the market.
However, the figures released do not provide further breakdowns, such as the number of candidates assessed or repeat attempts, which could offer additional context on performance trends. TfL confirmed the dataset reflects results recorded since the introduction of the SERU requirement for taxi drivers in October 2025.
For both sides of the trade, the results highlight a clear divide in assessment outcomes that could influence future policy decisions, training provisions and licensing expectations across London’s for-hire transport sector.
