English language requirement

We have changed how applicants for a London private hire vehicle (PHV) driver's licence can prove their English Language skills.

It is essential for public safety that all licensed private hire drivers are able to communicate in English at an appropriate level.

The English Language Requirement (ELR) was introduced in London in 2016 and transitional arrangements were put in place to allow drivers time to comply.   

On 1 October 2021, we changed how we assess London PHV drivers' English language skills and introduced a requirement for drivers to show an understanding of safety, equality and regulatory matters (the SERU assessment). Drivers must satisfy the ELR by taking and passing a new speaking and listening test and the SERU assessment is used to assess their reading and writing skills.  

All new applicants for a London PHV driver's licence and existing licensees who have not met the ELR, are required to take and pass both the speaking and listening test and the SERU assessment. Existing licensees who provided satisfactory evidence that they meet the ELR before 1 October 2021 only have to pass the SERU assessment. 

Transitional arrangements were put in place to provide drivers with sufficient time to take the assessments. However, in the light of experience in administering the requirements and as the industry is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic, we have decided to extend the transitional arrangements. This will allow more time for drivers to prepare for, undertake and pass the ELR and SERU requirement. 

New transitional arrangements

The new dates by which individual drivers will need to comply with the ELR and SERU requirement will depend on which of the four categories they are in: 

PHV drivers who did not provide ELR evidence by 30 September 2021

Any PHV driver who did not provide any evidence that they met the ELR by 30 September 2021 now has until 30 September 2023 (an additional 12 months) to take and pass the English language speaking and listening test and the SERU assessment. 

PHV drivers who provided ELR evidence by 30 September 2021  

Any PHV driver who provided evidence that they met the ELR by 30 September 2021 will have their evidence reviewed by TfL. The majority of evidence has been reviewed and TfL is contacting each driver to confirm whether or not their evidence is satisfactory.  

  • If their evidence is satisfactory, drivers will be required to undertake the SERU assessment by 31 March 2025 (an additional 24 months) but they will not be required to take and pass the English language speaking and listening test.  
  • If their evidence is unsatisfactory, drivers will have until 30 September 2024 (an additional 18 months) to take and pass the English language speaking and listening test and the SERU assessment.  

Applicants for a PHV driver's licence who applied on or after 1 October 2021  

Anyone who applied for a new PHV driver's licence on or after 1 October 2021 and was licensed without having taken and passed the English language speaking and listening test and SERU assessment now has until 30 September 2024 (an additional 18 months) to take and pass both assessments. 

Please note: this deadline applies to drivers who submitted an application for a new PHV driver's licence between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2023 inclusively (see below for requirements on or after 1 April 2023).  

Applicants for a PHV driver's licence who apply on or after 1 April 2023 

Anyone who applies for a new PHV driver's licence on or after 1 April 2023 will be required to take and pass both the English language speaking and listening test and SERU assessment before they can be licensed. 

More information on the speaking and listening test and reading and writing assessment is provided below: 

Speaking and listening test

The speaking and listening test consists of a 15-20 minute conversation that will take place at TfL offices.

The assessment will be undertaken by a secure video or telephone link to our service provider, PeopleCert, and it will cost £36 when taken for the first time and £16 for a re-sit. 

Please see PeopleCert's website for more information about the test and what to expect on the day. All applicants are advised to review this information prior to sitting the test. 

Reading and writing assessment 

TfL will use the SERU assessment to assess applicants' reading and writing skills.  The SERU assessment is based on information found in the PHV Driver's Handbook which is intended to ensure applicants have the appropriate understanding of safety, equality and regulatory requirements that apply to London PHV drivers. 
The assessment will take place at TfL offices and it will cost £36 when taken for the first time and £16 for a re-sit. 

For more information on the SERU requirement and our online assessment guide, please visit: tfl.gov.uk/tph-seru

  • PHV Driver Handbook Version 1.0

    PDF 1.50MB

    • Applicants and London PHV drivers who applied before 1 October 2021

    We will be writing to London PHV drivers and applicants to provide the details of the assessments we require them to undertake and pass in order to satisfy the ELR and the timescales for doing so.

    If you have submitted evidence to us, then you do not need to contact us at this time, our licensing team will contact you to let you know the next steps. 

    Reasonable adjustments

    TfL can provide a range of reasonable adjustments that are tailored to the individual to ensure that assessments are carried out in a fair and consistent manner.

    If you have a disability or condition which means you will need adjustments to be made at your assessment then you will be invited to provide us with a brief outline of the condition and documented evidence from a relevant professional.
     

    Support Services 

    There are lots of free resources and courses available online to help people improve their English skills and you may want to make use of these before taking the assessment. 

    Some colleges offer English courses for people on a low income, or who are in receipt of benefits such as Job Seeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance. 

    Some councils also offer free English courses or advice on courses and support available. Check on the National Careers Service website or call 0800 100 900 for classes in your area. There are also a number of free online resources, including Skillswise by the BBC.

    If you are disabled you may be entitled to support or a grant to help with the cost of the assessments or obtaining medical information through the Access to Work programme. 

    Exemption guidance 

    Our exemption guidance document contains information on exemptions for the English Language Requirement. 

    If you feel you have a disability or a condition which exempts you from taking the assessment, please see our exemption guidance for more information.