All new PCO applicants are required to complete the SERU Assessment.

If you want to work as an Uber driver or for any other private hire firms in London, you will need to obtain a Private Hire Driver’s licence from Transport for London.

There have been recent changes in the process of obtaining this licence, also known as a PCO licence. Starting from April 1st, 2023, all new applicants for a private hire driver’s licence will be required to complete the SERU assessment before receiving their licence.

However, if you applied before this date or are already a licensed driver, you may have more time to meet the English Language Requirement. For more information on the deadlines for the TfL SERU Assessment, you can refer to our previous blogs.

Here is a checklist of tasks you need to complete in order to obtain your private hire license:

1. Enhanced DBS Check (CRB) – This is a thorough background check for criminal records.
2. Topographical Skills Assessment – This is a test that evaluates your map reading and route planning abilities.
3. SERU Assessment – This assesses your understanding of safety, equality, and regulatory matters.
4. Speaking & Listening Assessment – This is an oral test conducted at the TfL center.
5. Medical Check with your GP
6. HMRC Tax Check
7. Safeguarding Awareness course – This is a free online course.

To book your SERU Assessment, you need to complete the Private Hire application form, along with the Enhanced DBS, HMRC Tax Check, and Medical Check. Submit your application and pay the fees. TfL will then send you an email and letter inviting you to the Topographical Skills Assessment. After that, you will receive another email and letter for the SERU Assessment and Speaking & Listening Assessment. All assessments must be completed at a TfL test center under exam conditions.

If you are already a driver, the deadlines for the SERU assessment depend on your English Language Requirement evidence:

A: If you did not provide any evidence by September 30, 2021, you have until September 30, 2023, to pass the SERU assessment and Speaking & Listening test.

B: If you provided evidence by September 30, 2021, there are two options:

• Option 1: If the evidence was accepted, you have until March 31, 2025, to take the SERU assessment and you do not need to complete the speaking & listening test.
• Option 2: If the evidence was not accepted, you have until September 30, 2024, to take both the SERU assessment and Speaking & Listening test.

C: If you applied on or before October 1, 2021, you have until September 30, 2024, to pass both the SERU assessment and Speaking & Listening test.

These dates can be confusing, but the important thing to remember is that all private hire drivers in London will eventually need to complete at least the SERU assessment. It’s best to be prepared for when it’s your turn.