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United Kingdom · Private hire test

TfL mock map test: the topographical assessment

Transport for London’s (TfL’s) map test is its topographical skills assessment, and unless you’re exempt you need to pass it to get a private hire vehicle (PHV) driver’s licence. It’s a computer test of planning routes and reading a digital map, marked out of 100, and you need 60% to pass. TfL doesn’t offer a mock map test, but its guidelines and a short video show what each part asks.

  • 60%Pass mark, out of 100 marks
  • £40First attempt, then £30 to resit
  • Same dayAs your other two TfL assessments
Read the assessment guidelines

Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What’s in the topographical assessment

TfL’s guidelines list seven sections:

  • Route planning essentials: true or false questions on a route planning scenario
  • Planning a route between two locations
  • Understanding map symbols
  • Finding places of interest
  • Finding specific streets
  • Identifying road numbers
  • Compass points and directions

You need a basic understanding of how to use a mouse, because it’s all done on screen.

Route planning questions

There are three. One is a short route, one is a short route with a road closure, and one is a long route. A green marker shows the start and a red marker the end, and you plot the most direct route on a digital map.

You lose marks for starting or ending in the wrong place, planning the route in reverse, not taking the most direct route, or making a turn the map symbols don’t allow. One assessor marks your routes and a second checks the marking. TfL doesn’t give detailed feedback or copies of the assessment.

How the map test is scored

PartMarks
Three route planning questions66
Multiple-choice map questions34
Total100

You pass with 60% or more. The multiple-choice questions show an on-screen map, and you may also be asked to use a copy of the map reference page, which TfL provides and which explains the symbols. Some questions have one answer and some have two; the question tells you which.

Is there a TfL mock map test?

No, TfL doesn’t publish one. What it does publish is the guidelines, with an example route question, and a short video on what to expect on the day. Practice with a digital map, reading the symbols and following one-way and banned turns, matches what the guidelines say loses marks.

TfL: Topographical assessment guidelines ↗TfL: What to expect, on YouTube ↗

Who can skip the map test

TfL’s driver policy gives three concessions. You don’t take the topographical assessment if you:

  • passed a TfL topographical skills assessment on an earlier application
  • hold a London taxi driver’s licence, All London or Suburban
  • are a professional London tourist guide, such as a Blue Badge driver guide

TfL won’t accept topographical certificates it didn’t issue itself. The exemption for a relevant vocational qualification ended on 1 February 2020.

TfL says it considers any other concession case by case.

Booking, fees and resits

The topographical assessment is scheduled for the same day as your English speaking and listening test and your Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment. TfL’s topographical page names its Driver Assessment Centre at Pier Walk: 14 Pier Walk, London SE10 0ES, a 5-minute walk from North Greenwich station on the Jubilee line.

Both fees, £40 and £30 for a resit, apply from 9 March 2026. TfL normally allows three attempts before it refuses the application. If you need reasonable adjustments, contact TfL before you book.

TfL’s centre guide says parking is difficult, so use public transport. You won’t get in without a booking, so bring your booking confirmation, and bikes and scooters can’t come inside.

TfL: The assessment centre at Pier Walk ↗All three TfL assessments →
Sources: TfL and 5 more. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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