Safety, equality and regulatory understanding requirement

It is essential that London PHV drivers have an appropriate understanding of safety, equality and regulatory requirements that apply to them. This helps ensure public safety and will enhance levels of customer service.

SERU requirement

The safety, equality and regulatory understanding (SERU) requirement came into force on 1 October 2021. It applies to both new applicants and those applying to renew their PHV driver licence.

This SERU requirement includes:

a)  Drivers' obligations under the PHV (London) Act 1998 including the associated regulations and relevant obligations including under the Equality Act 2010;
b)  Policies and guidance issued by Transport for London (TfL) or other persons which are relevant to London PHV drivers; 
c)  The particular needs of passengers that arise because a passenger has (or may have) a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010;
d)  Protecting children and adults at risk from harm and abuse;
e)  Passenger and driver safety; 
f)  Road and vehicle safety.   

Preparing for your assessment

The SERU assessment is based on information contained in the PHV Driver's Handbook. 

Applicants should read and familiarise themselves with the Handbook before undertaking the assessment. 

We have also created an online assessment guide to help applicants prepare for the SERU assessment.

The online assessment guide covers every part of the Handbook in detail, with a Knowledge Check at the end of each section. The assessment guide has over 36 knowledge check questions and a whole section on "what to expect" which takes you through the whole assessment process with screenshots taken from the assessment centre - so candidates know what to expect on the day.

The SERU assessment is computer-based and it is delivered by TfL staff at TfL offices.  

It will involve multiple choice questions and completing sentences by adding missing words.  

Further information on what to expect on the day is provided to you when an assessment booking has been confirmed. 

Each applicant will be given time to prepare for the assessment and reasonable adjustments will be made where appropriate (see below).

Once a booking has been confirmed, applicants are expected to make every effort to attend.

We reserve the right in the future to require applicants to take the SERU assessment for a second time, in the event of a significant change in the regulatory landscape.

Cost of assessment

The SERU assessment will cost £36. A re-sit will cost £16.

PHV Driver's Handbook

The PHV Driver's Handbook is a working guide for PHV drivers and is an invaluable tool.

The Handbook will be kept under review and may be altered or amended to reflect any changes in the law or changes to TfL policies and guidance.

We expect all PHV licensees to regularly review the Handbook and remain familiar with its contents.

Support services

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

Some colleges offer free skills for life or 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.

Safeguarding Awareness training

Applicants are expected to undertake the online Safeguarding Awareness training course prior to undertaking the SERU assessment.

More information on the introduction of the Safeguarding Awareness course is available in TPH Notice 31/21 and on our Safeguarding awareness page.

Reasonable adjustments

Reasonable adjustments will be made for those who require them, to ensure that assessments are carried out in a fair and consistent manner.

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

Contact us on tphdriverassessments@tfl.gov.uk.