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SERU test for non-native English speakers
English is not your first language? You can still prepare well. Learn the repeated handbook words, practise a little every day, and check what each answer means in your own language.
Quick facts
- TfL English standard: CEFR B1 (simple everyday English)
- The questions are in English. Learn the handbook words, not every word
- Our explanations can be shown in 10 languages (machine translation)
- Reasonable adjustments: tell TfL when you book
What B1 means
B1 is the middle of the CEFR scale. At B1 you can follow the main points of clear, everyday English and write simple sentences about familiar things. The SERU texts are written in plain English, but they use some legal words. These repeat many times, so they are easy to learn.
Words to learn first
| Word | Simple meaning |
|---|---|
| licence | Official permission from TfL to work as a private hire driver |
| operator | The licensed company that takes the booking and sends the driver |
| booking | A journey arranged before the passenger gets in |
| safeguarding | Protecting children and vulnerable adults from harm |
| discrimination | Treating a person worse because of who they are, for example disability or race |
| reasonable adjustment | A change that helps a disabled person use a service |
| regulation | An official rule |
A 4-week plan
This is an example. Change it to fit your test date.
- Week 1. Take the free test. Read two handbook sections. Learn the words above.
- Week 2. 15 minutes a day: one reading passage, then its questions.
- Week 3. Do one full timed paper. Look up every wrong answer in the handbook.
- Week 4. Redo the questions you missed. Take a last timed paper.
Help in your language
In the full course, every explanation can be shown in Romanian, Polish, Urdu, Bengali, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Turkish or Persian. Use it to understand the idea, then read the English version again, because the test is in English. You can also get daily questions in Telegram, so you practise a little each day. See the plans. For more on reading practice, see SERU reading comprehension.
Try a free timed paper
36 questions, a score for each part, no sign-up.
Common questions
What English level do I need for SERU?
TfL says the standard is CEFR B1. In simple words: you can understand the main points of clear everyday English and write simple connected sentences.
Can I take the SERU test in my own language?
TfL describes the assessment as testing English, so expect the questions in English. Check with TfL if you need support, and tell them when you book.
Are the translated explanations exact?
No. They are machine translations and are marked that way. They help you understand the idea. The English text is the reference, and it is the English you will see in the test.
What if I have a learning difficulty or other need?
TfL says to tell them when you book and to contact assessments@tph.tfl.gov.uk about reasonable adjustments.
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