Topographical Skills Assessment
How to get PCO license
We’re excited to introduce a training course that will help you prepare for the new TfL Topographical Skills Assessment.
If you choose to study at our Minicab Academy, you are going to be offered a complete package of information that will help you pass the test successfully.
Structure of the exam
To begin with, we will explain the structure of the exam by presenting the five modules of the assessment:
Module 1: Map reading ability
Module 2: Route selection (local) – tests the ability to plan and identify a route in a specific local area of the British Capital.
Module 3: Route selection (intermediate) – shows the ability to plan and identify routes that are located in London, but that go beyond the local area.
Module 4: Route selection (long distance) – tests the ability to plan and identify routes situated outside of London.
Module 5: General topography – proves that you know the general topography of the Capital. It features major locations and roads, such as big cities and airports, which are located beyond London.
At the same time, before you register with 247 Topographical Skills Training, you will be required to prove an understanding of the English language. This information will also be provided to you as follows:
Live, by the instructor, when you sign up in the office. In this case, you will also receive a printed copy including these instructions.
E-mailed to you, immediately after you complete the online contact form.
E-mailed to you when you will make the booking for the assessment by phone.
What do you need to know in order to pass the assessment?
So as to successfully pass the exam, you will need to prove that you possess certain levels of:
General topographical skills
Knowledge of London and its local areas
Our instructors will offer you all the necessary information to gain the needed knowledge to pass the assessment. You will be provided the possibility to learn both online and offline, in PDF format documents or normal A4 paper documents. The PDF documents are available for download on this website. The paper documents will be provided by the centre when you register.
Bear in mind that the Topographical Skills Assessment will be held fully in writing. However, in order to be sure that you can pass this written exam, you will have to initially prove the ability to understand English. Once you’ve done this, you will be passed through each of the previously presented five modules in order to prove the following:
a) A fundamental topographical skill
You will be handed a London Street Atlas on which you must prove that you are able to understand how to use a map index and grid reference system. In order to prove this basic knowledge you will have to identify a specific postcode or address.
b) Identify the location of the start and finish points
c) Demonstrate the quickest route between two points on the London Street Atlas
– For local route selection: the assessor will name a start and a finish point for a route of approximately 5 miles and you will have to identify the shortest route between the two points.
– For intermediate route selection: the assessor will name a start and a finish point for a route of approximately 20 miles and you will have to identify the shortest route between the two points.
– For long distance route selection: the assessor will name a start and a finish point for a route of approximately 50 miles and you will have to identify the shortest route between the two points.
d) Answer a question related to every selected route (e.g.: which is the closest tube station?)
e) Demonstrate a diversity of route types in order to prove your ability to use maps on different scales depending on the type of route to be planned.
The questions for points a, b, c, d, e will be based on the area you choose to operate in.
f) Demonstrate a general knowledge of London without the help of any map by answering a set of questions regarding motorways radiating outwards of central London or major tube and train stations, important tourist sites or other significant locations to minicab drivers such as the most important airports in London.
Exam guide
A minimum of 24 hours is needed for you to prepare for the exam, therefore 247 Topographical Skills Training also considers this to be the minimum of time from the moment you book to the moment when you can take the exam.
The duration of the test is 90 minutes. Below, you can see some examples of assessment questions similar to the ones you’ll get during the actual Topographical Skills exam. Be prepared to pass the topographical test!
Examples of assessment questions
Ability to read English and ability to read a map
1.1. Name and draw the 4 primary compass points
1.2. Please identify the page for grids number 50 and 51
1.3. Please identify on the London Street Atlas the grid for the following district: Wood Green, N22
1.4. Please identify where Silver Street in Enfield (EN1) is located on the London Street Atlas
1.5. Please point out on the London Street Atlas the pick-up up and drop-off address of the route indicated on the map.
1.6. Please use the London Street Atlas to draw the route for the following journey having the pick-up spot in Wood Green(N22) and the drop-off in Acton, W3.
Local Route Selection (from Mayes Road, Wood Green(N22) to Silver Street, Enfield(EN1))
2.1. Please name the closest tube or train station close to the pick-up and drop off spots of the journey from Mayes Road, Wood Green(N22) to Silver Street, Enfield(EN1).
2.2. Please write the page and map reference of the pick-up and drop-off spots using the London Street Atlas.
2.3. Please indicate on the London Street Atlas the shortest route between the Wood Green and Enfield.
Intermediate Route Selection (from Mayes Road, Wood Green(N22) to Culverley Road, Lewisham(SE13))
3.1. Please identify 3 postal districts, post town or localities this route between Mayes Road, Wood Green(N22) and Culverley Road, Lewisham(SE13) travels through.
3.2. Please use the London Street Atlas the identify and write the page and map reference of the pick-up and drop-off spots for the presented journey.
3.3. Please use the Atlas to indicate the shortest route between Mayes Road, Wood Green(N22) and Culverley Road, Lewisham(SE13).
Long Distance Route Selection (from Mayes Road, Wood Green(N22) to College Road, Maidstone(ME14))
4.1. Please name a number of minim two motorways or “A” class roads you can use in order to reach College Road, Maidstone(ME14) from Mayes Road, Wood Green(N22).
4.3. Please use the Atlas to indicate the shortest route between Mayes Road, Wood Green(N22) and College Road, Maidstone(ME14).
4.2. Please identify 3 postal districts, post town or localities this route travels through.
General Topographical Questions (To be answered without the use of an atlas or mapping tool)
5.1. Name 4 counties bordering London
5.2. Name 4 motorways which radiate from the M25
5.3. From central London, which direction is Heathrow Airport?
5.4. From central London which motorway would you use to reach the location indicated at 5.3.?
5.5. From central London, which direction is Crawley?
5.6. From central London, which motorway would you use to reach the location indicated at 5.5.?
5.7. From central London, which direction is Brighton?
5.8. From central London, which motorway would you use to reach the location indicated at 5.7.?
