STEP-BY-STEP: TfL SERU assessments for London taxi drivers set to begin in October
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Transport for London (TfL)'s new SERU assessments will officially begin from 1 October 2025 for taxi drivers in London. In the latest notice on the topic it confirms that all existing cabbies, along with new applicants, will need to pass the Taxi Driver Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) test as part of their licensing requirements.
The move follows the Department for Transport’s 2020 introduction of statutory taxi and private hire standards, which set out national expectations around safeguarding training, background checks, and better data sharing to protect passengers. TfL’s consultation on the new assessment took place in early 2023, with the outcome later confirmed in TPH Notice 07/23.
The SERU assessment has been designed to ensure drivers understand the key rules, legal duties, and safety requirements that come with holding a taxi licence in the capital. It is part of the wider effort to raise standards and ensure all drivers meet the national safety framework now expected by central government.
What’s covered in the assessment
Drivers will sit the SERU test at the TfL Driver Assessment Centre, using a computer. The test focuses on several core areas, including passenger and driver safety, supporting disabled passengers, child and adult safeguarding, equality, and taxi-specific laws such as the Equality Act 2010.
While drivers can refer to the Taxi Driver Handbook during the test, they are expected to be fully familiar with its contents beforehand. The handbook sets out what is required from a licensed London taxi driver and is also the basis for all questions within the test.
Who needs to take it
All licensed taxi drivers and new applicants must take and pass the assessment. This applies during both new licence applications and renewals. There are no exemptions, including for those who have passed the SERU test in connection with a private hire vehicle (PHV) licence, as the taxi driver version includes specific elements not found in the PHV assessment.
Once passed, the assessment does not need to be retaken at future renewals.
Existing drivers: what to expect
Drivers will be contacted by TfL as their licence approaches renewal to book a test. If a driver’s renewal application has been submitted in full before their licence expires, they will be permitted to continue working while waiting to complete the SERU assessment. There is a 12-month period from the expiry date in which the test must be passed.
Drivers who want to take the test earlier than scheduled may email TfL to request a booking.
New applicants and Knowledge students
From 1 October, anyone applying for a taxi driver licence must pass the SERU assessment as part of the Knowledge of London process. The test can be taken at any time during studies but must be passed before a licence is issued. TfL suggests completion by Stage 5 of the Knowledge.
Costs and retests
The test costs £36. If a driver fails and needs to rebook, the retest will cost £16. Payments are taken on the day of the test. These rates match those currently applied to PHV driver assessments, although they may be revised in future.
How to prepare
TfL is advising all drivers to start preparing now. The Taxi Driver Handbook, available online, is the core study material. It is important that drivers read and understand the handbook well in advance of their test.
TfL’s dedicated Taxi SERU webpage contains the latest guidance and support materials, which will be updated on a rolling basis.
Optional safeguarding course
Drivers are also encouraged to take the free Safeguarding Awareness Course, available via TfL’s safeguarding webpage. The course is designed to support the aims of the SERU assessment and equip drivers to spot and respond to risks to vulnerable passengers.
Accessibility and support
TfL says that any drivers requiring reasonable adjustments due to a disability or health condition should inform them when booking their assessment. A short description of the condition and professional evidence will be required to ensure the necessary arrangements can be made.
What comes next
The countdown to October is now well underway, and drivers are being encouraged to prepare early and take note of the full requirements. Those looking for further help or clarification are advised to check TfL’s dedicated pages and reach out through the published contact routes.
