Home / SERU pass mark

SERU pass mark, fees and retakes

TfL publishes the fee and the English level for the private hire SERU assessment. It does not publish the pass mark, the time limit or the number of questions on its SERU page. This page separates what TfL says from what is only reported.

What TfL publishes

Item	What TfL says
Assessment fee	£40
Re-sit fee	£30
English standard	CEFR level B1
Format	Computer-based, at TfL offices. Multiple choice questions and sentence completion.
Based on	The PHV Driver's Handbook (audio version available)
Before you sit it	Complete the online Safeguarding Awareness course
Reasonable adjustments	Tell TfL when you book; contact assessments@tph.tfl.gov.uk

What TfL does not state on that page

• The pass mark
• The time allowed
• The number of questions
• The number of attempts and any waiting period

For the separate taxi SERU assessment, TfL Notice 06/25 gives about one hour, 36 questions and a 60% pass mark. That is a different test. Candidates and training sites often report similar figures for private hire, and our free practice test uses the same: 36 questions, 60 minutes and a 60% target. We chose that format to give you a realistic rehearsal. We do not claim it is the official format. Your TfL booking confirmation is the place to check what applies to you.

Fees have changed

An earlier TfL notice (14/21) set lower fees than the £40 and £30 now shown. Some websites still quote the old figures. Use TfL's own pages.

Retakes

TfL says a re-sit is available and costs £30. It also says it may require applicants to sit the assessment again after a significant regulatory change. The page does not describe a limit. Older TfL policy documents mention two attempts. If you fail, ask TfL what happens next before you book again. Do not assume.

A practice paper costs nothing, and a re-sit costs £30 plus the delay. Take the free test, see your score for each part, and decide how much preparation you need. See also the practice test guide.

• TfL, Notice 06/25, taxi driver SERU (taxi test, for comparison only)

Common questions

What is the SERU pass mark?

TfL does not state a pass mark on its SERU page for private hire drivers. For the separate taxi SERU assessment, TfL has published 60%. Many candidates report 60% for the private hire test as well, but do not rely on that. Our practice exams use 60% as a target.

How much does the SERU assessment cost?

TfL lists the assessment fee as £40. A re-sit is £30. These figures have changed over time (an earlier TfL notice listed lower fees), so check TfL before you book.

How many times can I take it?

TfL says a re-sit is available. Its SERU page does not set out the retake rules. Older TfL policy documents describe a limit of two attempts. Confirm the current rule with TfL before you book.

How many questions are in the SERU test, and how long do I get?

TfL does not give these figures on its private hire SERU page. TfL says its SERU lasts about one hour with 36 questions and a 60% pass mark (Notice 06/25, written for the taxi test). Our practice test runs for 60 minutes with 36 questions. Treat it as a model of the real test, not a copy.

Does passing SERU for private hire cover the taxi test?

No. TfL says passing the private hire SERU assessment does not exempt you from the taxi driver SERU assessment.

More guides

Sources

• TfL, SERU for private hire drivers (checked 2026-10-12)
• TfL, Apply for a private hire driver licence (checked 2026-10-12)
• TfL, Notice 14/21, changes to private hire driver licensing requirements

Last checked against TfL pages on 12 October 2026. TfL changes fees and rules from time to time. Check TfL before you book.