TfL Speaking and Listening Test

It depends on when you applied for your private hire drivers’ licence or if you’re an existing driver it depends on the status of your English Language requirement proof. 

If you are a new applicant, then yes you will need to do the TfL Speaking and Listening test before you can get licensed.

 If you are an existing driver and you submitted proof for the English Language requirement and TfL accepted it, then you do not need to do the speaking and listening test.

If you are an existing driver and you either didn’t submit or your submission was rejected, then you will need to complete the speaking and listening test at some point.

You will pay a fee of £36 for the TfL Speaking and Listening test on the day of the test at a TfL driver assessment centre.

For all new drivers, you will take the TfL Speaking and Listening test before you are granted a London Private Hire Licence.  TfL will invite you via a letter and email.

For existing drivers there are different deadlines to complete the speaking and listening test if they are required to take the test.  TfL will invite you via a letter and an email before the required date.

It’s also important to note that, for new applicants; all 3 TfL tests will most likely be on the same day.  So, your Topographical Skills Assessment, SERU Assessment and Speaking and Listening test all on the same day.

The test will take place at a TfL driver assessment centre.  There are currently 2 centres, one located in SE10 and the other in W14.

The TfL Speaking and Listening test is around 15-20 minutes.  

The pass mark for the TfL Speaking and Listening test is 60%

The TfL Speaking and Listening exam is made up for 5 parts.

Part 1: Small Discussion

Part 2: Role Play

Part 3: Images & Discussion

Part 4A: Listen & Respond

Part 4B: Speaking

There isn’t an exact number of questions, the test is more time based and it depends on the conversation you have based on the topics presented to you at the test.

New Private Hire Applicants will need to pass 3 assessments before they can get licensed.  They will most likely all take place on the same day.

1. Topographical Skills Assessment
2. SERU Assessment
3. Speaking and Listening Test

The TfL English Language Requirement (ELR Requirement) has changed.  Drivers now need to complete the SERU assessment as proof of their English Reading and Writing and they need to complete the TfL Speaking and Listening test for proof of speaking and listening. 

You can also contact them via these methods to reschedule your TfL Speaking and Listening test or to ask for reasonable adjustments (for example if you are Dyslexic).

Yes, but with a real person via a secure video link with an interlocutor (a person who takes part in a dialogue or conversation) from PeopleCert.  The test will be at a TfL driver assessment centre.