How this course works
SERU — Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding — is the assessment Transport for London requires from private hire vehicle (PHV) driver licence applicants and, in defined circumstances, from existing drivers.
BEFORE YOU START — CHECK THE CURRENT TfL REQUIREMENTS SERU is set by Transport for London and its content, format, booking process, and exemptions are revised periodically. Confirm the current requirements, syllabus, and any exemptions on the official TfL website before booking. This course prepares you for the assessment by teaching the underlying subject matter; it is not affiliated with TfL and does not reproduce its assessment materials.
What the assessment covers
The subject areas are indicated by the name itself:
| AREA | SUBJECT MATTER |
|---|---|
| Safety | Passenger safety, vehicle safety, road safety, safeguarding |
| Equality | Equality law, disability awareness, assistance dogs, accessibility |
| Regulatory understanding | Licensing conditions, what a PHV driver may and may not do, record keeping, reporting duties |
| English language | Reading comprehension and written communication at the required standard |
What this course covers
| MODULE | WHAT IT COVERS |
|---|---|
| Safeguarding | Recognising and reporting concerns about passengers |
| Equality and disability | The law, reasonable adjustments, assistance dogs |
| Regulatory duties | Licensing conditions, bookings, records, reporting |
| Passenger and road safety | Vehicle checks, journey safety, incidents |
| English and exam technique | Reading comprehension practice and question strategy |
How to prepare
Read the official guidance. TfL publishes the syllabus and preparation material; work through it alongside this course.
Practise reading in English under time pressure. Candidates who fail often do so on comprehension rather than on subject knowledge.
Think from the passenger’s position. Almost every safety and equality question has an answer that protects the passenger — particularly a vulnerable one.