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SERU reading comprehension: how to practise
For many candidates the rules are learnable from the handbook. The harder part is reading English quickly enough, under a timer, without misreading a question.
Quick facts
- TfL English standard: CEFR B1
- The assessment includes sentence completion and multiple choice (TfL)
- A good routine: 10 to 15 minutes a day, one passage, with a timer
- Our course has a reading trainer: short passages with questions
What TfL says about English
TfL says the SERU assessment is used to determine your ability to read and write in English to an appropriate level, as well as your understanding of safety, equality and regulatory matters. The level required is CEFR B1. The assessment includes sentence completion, where you add the missing words, as well as multiple choice questions.
TfL points to free English skills resources on its SERU page, including the National Careers Service and Skillswise.
Habits that help
- Read the question first, then the text. You know what you are looking for.
- Find the sentence that answers it. Wrong options are often true in general but not what the text says.
- Watch small words. "Must", "may", "not", "unless" and "only" change the answer.
- Do not translate every word. Learn the handbook's repeated words (licence, vehicle, booking, operator, safeguarding) once and move on.
- Learn from misses. For each wrong answer, note which word you misread.
How our course handles it
The full course has a reading trainer: short passages with questions, in the style of the handbook. Explanations are in English. You can also read them in your language. These are machine translations, marked as such, and can contain errors. Wrong answers go to the error queue and come back after 1, 3 and 7 days. Start with the free test to see your score for each part. English learners can also read the SERU test for non-native speakers.
Try a free timed paper
36 questions, a score for each part, no sign-up.
Common questions
Is there a reading comprehension part in the SERU test?
TfL says the assessment checks your ability to read and write English at CEFR level B1. It does not publish a section-by-section breakdown on its SERU page, so check your booking confirmation. Reading short texts and answering questions about them is the skill involved either way.
What English level do I need?
TfL sets the standard at CEFR B1. That is roughly an independent user: you can follow the main points of clear everyday text and write simple connected sentences.
How long should I practise reading?
Short and often works better than long and rarely. Ten to fifteen minutes a day with a timer, reading one passage and answering its questions, is a realistic routine.
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