TfL Ref: 2756-1718

Thank you for your email received by us on 3 January 2017 asking for information about the topographical skills assessment.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy and I can confirm that we hold some of the information that you require. You asked for the following information:

I would like to know that since Transport for London started to manage Topographical skills assessment procedure how many people have completed the topographical skills assessment and how many of them passed and failed, also the current pass rate?

I would like to know that how many people completed the Topographical skills assessment before Transport for London started to manage and how many of them passed and failed, also the pass rate?

I would like to know that Are the Current Private hire driver licence holders who had their licences before Topographical skills assessment was introduced and the ones who passed their Topographical skills assessment before TFL took over, subject to take a Topographical skills assessment under TFL's management when they renew their licences as in An English language requirement applies to all applications for both renewal and new licences?

Since Transport for London (TfL) started managing the topographical skills assessment directly, 20,278 topographical skills assessments have been carried out. The current first pass rate is 45% and the re-test pass rate is 48%.

We do not hold data for pass rates prior to management of the assessments being brought in-house.

To be licenced in London, all applicants for a private hire driver licence must pass a topographical skills assessment. Any driver that holds a licence from before the introduction of topographical skills assessments does not currently have to pass a topographical skills assessment if they wish to renew their licence, however this is under review and may be subject to change in the future. Any licensed driver that has passed the topographical skills assessment with a centre that is now no longer accredited does not currently have to pass a topographical skills assessment if they wish to renew their licence; this is under review and may be subject to change in the future.

English language requirement

All applicants for a private hire driver licence must provide evidence that they meet the English language requirement as part of their application. Information on what forms suitable evidence can be found here: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/english-language-requirement

Current licensees seeking to renew their private hire licence must also provide evidence that they meet the requirement as part of their application.

In the meantime, if you have any queries or would like to discuss your request, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
Information Governance
Transport For London