TfL SERU Assessment Revision Notes
The essential facts for the TfL SERU Assessment, condensed chapter by chapter — a fast recap for the days before your test. For the full explanations, see the study guide; to cram, use the cheat sheet.
1. Safety
- You may only carry the number of passengers your vehicle is licensed and insured to carry — never more.
- Licensed private hire vehicles are smoke-free; smoking is not allowed inside the vehicle.
- After a collision you must stop, exchange details, and report it to the police and your insurer as required.
- Keeping the vehicle roadworthy — valid MOT, tyres, lights and brakes — is your responsibility, not just the operator's.
2. Safeguarding
- Safeguarding is about protecting children and adults at risk from harm and abuse.
- An 'adult at risk' is someone unable to protect themselves because of age, disability, or mental illness.
- Your role is to recognise and report concerns — not to investigate them yourself.
- If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 999; use 101 for non-emergency police concerns.
3. Equality
- The Equality Act 2010 protects characteristics including age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and pregnancy.
- You must carry a passenger's assistance dog at no extra charge unless you hold a medical exemption certificate.
- Charging a wheelchair user or disabled passenger more for the same journey is unlawful discrimination.
- Making reasonable adjustments — such as helping with a wheelchair — is part of your legal duty.
4. Regulations
- Private hire in London is regulated under the PHV (London) Act 1998.
- PHV journeys must be pre-booked through a licensed operator — you can't ply for hire or pick up in the street.
- Three licences are needed to operate legally: driver, vehicle, and operator.
- You must tell TfL about relevant changes, including a new address, medical conditions affecting driving, or a conviction.
5. Passengers
- Lost property should be kept safe and returned to the passenger or handed in — never kept.
- You can refuse a journey for a legitimate safety reason, but never because of a protected characteristic.
- Staying calm and de-escalating is the safest response to an aggressive or upset passenger.
- Professional, respectful service is part of what TfL expects from every licensed driver.