Helping learners succeed since 2013 -
FAQ - For Topographical and SERU Training
FAQ - Topographical Classroom Training
Why should I undertake training for the topographical assessment?
1) Over 50% of people fail the Topographical test on the first attempt.
2) When you undertake your test on average you need to wait anywhere between 2 - 4 weeks for your test results from TFL.
If you have failed you need to book another test which could take another 2-4 weeks for a date, then wait another 2-4 weeks for those test results. - Delaying your licence by at least 6-12 weeks, that is 6-12 weeks of potential lost income.
2) When you undertake your test on average you need to wait anywhere between 2 - 4 weeks for your test results from TFL.
If you have failed you need to book another test which could take another 2-4 weeks for a date, then wait another 2-4 weeks for those test results. - Delaying your licence by at least 6-12 weeks, that is 6-12 weeks of potential lost income.
But I have been driving in London all my life, I know London, I don't need training do I?
The assessment is testing your ability to read a map.
The assessment is not testing your ability to drive in real life.
Every assessment has its own set of rules which should be followed, we will show you these rules during training.
Many experienced London drivers fail their assessment and cannot understand why they failed until they come to us and we show them.
TfL will provide a breakdown of what areas you scored on but not why you scored what you did.
They will not for instance explain to you that you cannot use a certain road, or make a left/right turn or where you have contravened a one way street.
The assessment is not testing your ability to drive in real life.
Every assessment has its own set of rules which should be followed, we will show you these rules during training.
Many experienced London drivers fail their assessment and cannot understand why they failed until they come to us and we show them.
TfL will provide a breakdown of what areas you scored on but not why you scored what you did.
They will not for instance explain to you that you cannot use a certain road, or make a left/right turn or where you have contravened a one way street.
What happens in the Topographical Classroom Training?
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Our Digital map classroom training course is run with an experienced trainer who will provide a three hour classroom course covering all elements of the assessment, including an overview of how to use the street Atlas along with a few sample multiple choice questions to complete.
You will spend most of the session concentrating on how to correctly navigate the digital map part of your assessment which accounts for 75% of your overall marks, this part of the test is what most people are failing on. Students will complete as many digital routes as possible using a computer. Each route will be checked by one of our trainers who will provide detailed feedback on areas for improvement. This session will give you a complete overview of what to expect on your examination and you will practice on the skills required for the examination. See our video below on what to expect during your session: |
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How many sessions will I need?
Short answer - Everyone is different.
Most students only attend one session, but depending on your ability you may require more then one session.
After attending your first session you will know by the feedback you have received if you would benefit from a further session.
Over the years we have changed and optimised the course to provide the best possible cost vs benefit for our students.
Most students only attend one session, but depending on your ability you may require more then one session.
After attending your first session you will know by the feedback you have received if you would benefit from a further session.
Over the years we have changed and optimised the course to provide the best possible cost vs benefit for our students.
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Can I just watch some YouTube videos memorise the routes and go for the exam?
The dangers of watching YouTube videos is covered in this video.
Memorising past exam routes is a risky approach, TfL often change the routes. Most students we see now are coming to us after they have spent countless hours watching videos and failed their assessment. Watch the video and decide for yourself. |
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Do I need to buy an 18th Edition Master Atlas?
Short answer = No.
You would only buy an 18th Edition Master Atlas if you wanted to practice using it before your exam. (For example using our online topographical course, details below)
During your exam an 18th Edition Master Atlas Atlas is provided for you.
If you really want to buy an Atlas at a reduced rate we sell them on our ebay page link below:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/elawstraining
You would only buy an 18th Edition Master Atlas if you wanted to practice using it before your exam. (For example using our online topographical course, details below)
During your exam an 18th Edition Master Atlas Atlas is provided for you.
If you really want to buy an Atlas at a reduced rate we sell them on our ebay page link below:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/elawstraining
What's the difference between a 17th Edition and 18th Edition Master Atlas?
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If you have an earlier edition atlas (15,16 or 17 edition) and you are practicing with that do not fear, you will be able to use the 18th Edition no problem, the 18th Edition is actually an easier edition to use.
However if you really want to know the differences, below is a short video from us highlighting the main differences between 17th and 18th Edition Master Atlas of Greater London. Since Monday 13th Feb 2023 TfL are using the 18th Edition Master Atlas only for the exam. |
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What about the new 2025 19th Edition Master atlas?
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This short video explains the key differences for the 19th Edition, remember TfL are still using the 18th edition!
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Who are the trainers and what experience do they have?
E-Laws Training was founded in 2013 and is run by a professional, qualified (City and Guilds Pttls/A1/IVA) and experienced training team.
We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in education and training.
We have helped thousands of people to pass their topographical test.
In the past we have delivered OFQUAL regulated qualifications and been approved by OFQUAL awarding bodies including SFJ Awards and Industry Qualifications
We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in education and training.
We have helped thousands of people to pass their topographical test.
In the past we have delivered OFQUAL regulated qualifications and been approved by OFQUAL awarding bodies including SFJ Awards and Industry Qualifications
Are you approved by TfL to provide training?
TfL do not provide approval for any company or individual to provide training.
TfL do not recognise any Topographical or SERU Training course.
Training courses are developed by individual training providers to help people prepare for the assessments.
Every training company offers different courses and different ways of delivering those courses, no two training companies are the same.
TfL do not recognise any Topographical or SERU Training course.
Training courses are developed by individual training providers to help people prepare for the assessments.
Every training company offers different courses and different ways of delivering those courses, no two training companies are the same.
Why do some companies have 'Approved by TfL' on their web site?
As stated above, TfL do not endorse or recognise Topo or SERU Training Courses.
However between 2017 - 2021 TfL sub contracted out the hosting of assessments to various companies around the London area. (There were about 6-8 in total)
So candidates would book their chosen assessment centre and take the assessment at their chosen location.
In this way certain companies were approved by TfL to Host the assessments only.
TfL staff would attend the centre and invigilate and mark the assessments.
The TfL approval process to host topographical assessments was a rigorous test for centres to ensure the appropriate staff, equipment and health and safety processes were in place in order to provide the high level of service TfL expected.
E Laws Training were approved by TfL to host the topographical assessments for the duration of this agreement until TfL brought all the hosting of assessments in house.
However between 2017 - 2021 TfL sub contracted out the hosting of assessments to various companies around the London area. (There were about 6-8 in total)
So candidates would book their chosen assessment centre and take the assessment at their chosen location.
In this way certain companies were approved by TfL to Host the assessments only.
TfL staff would attend the centre and invigilate and mark the assessments.
The TfL approval process to host topographical assessments was a rigorous test for centres to ensure the appropriate staff, equipment and health and safety processes were in place in order to provide the high level of service TfL expected.
E Laws Training were approved by TfL to host the topographical assessments for the duration of this agreement until TfL brought all the hosting of assessments in house.
Do you offer a guaranteed pass?
We consistently deliver the highest possible quality training we can.
The thousands of students in the past who have gone on to pass are testimony to our successful training approach.
We do not offer any guarantee on passing the examination, as this is impossible.
The exam is held in secure exam conditions with Tfl staff invigilating the process.
Your exam is marked by Tfl staff.
Beware of anyone that claims they can guarantee a pass or same day results is lying to you, as this is not possible.
We will equip you with the knowledge and tools to give you an advantage but only preparation and learning to use the Atlas correctly along with correct route planning skills will get you through this examination.
The thousands of students in the past who have gone on to pass are testimony to our successful training approach.
We do not offer any guarantee on passing the examination, as this is impossible.
The exam is held in secure exam conditions with Tfl staff invigilating the process.
Your exam is marked by Tfl staff.
Beware of anyone that claims they can guarantee a pass or same day results is lying to you, as this is not possible.
We will equip you with the knowledge and tools to give you an advantage but only preparation and learning to use the Atlas correctly along with correct route planning skills will get you through this examination.
What is the Topographical assessment structure?
The assessment will test all aspects of map reading skills:
• Using indexes to identify points/locations
• Using a map to identify directions and points/locations
• To plan a route between two locations
• To demonstrate knowledge of compass points within directional based questions
Detailed information on the TfL Topographical guidelines are available from the button below for download.
• Using indexes to identify points/locations
• Using a map to identify directions and points/locations
• To plan a route between two locations
• To demonstrate knowledge of compass points within directional based questions
Detailed information on the TfL Topographical guidelines are available from the button below for download.
Are you open everyday for training or for me to pop in?
We try and match supply to demand, as such we are currently not open everyday.
We are always contactable by phone, message or email.
If we do not answer immediately we call or message everyone back usually within 24 hours.
We are always contactable by phone, message or email.
If we do not answer immediately we call or message everyone back usually within 24 hours.
Opening Hours:
Our training courses take place at Unit 10 The Long Shop, Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, Colliers Wood, London, England, SW19 2RD
Our offices are closed unless training is taking place, please do not visit us in person without an appointment.
All phone call messages or e-mails are responded to within 24 hours.
Our training courses take place at Unit 10 The Long Shop, Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, Colliers Wood, London, England, SW19 2RD
Our offices are closed unless training is taking place, please do not visit us in person without an appointment.
All phone call messages or e-mails are responded to within 24 hours.
What is the difference between the classroom and online Topographical training course?
The 3 hour classroom course you will have a trainer with you to ask questions, monitor your progress and provide feedback.
The 3 hour classroom course you will receive some input on the Atlas including answering a few questions but spend most of your time practicing drawing routes on the London A-Z - (The same map as you will use in your assessment)
The online course you will watch over 5.5 hours of video presentations including narrated routes and practice using the Master Atlas for over 100 sample questions.
You will not draw on the map or receive live feedback.
The 3 hour classroom course you will receive some input on the Atlas including answering a few questions but spend most of your time practicing drawing routes on the London A-Z - (The same map as you will use in your assessment)
The online course you will watch over 5.5 hours of video presentations including narrated routes and practice using the Master Atlas for over 100 sample questions.
You will not draw on the map or receive live feedback.
Hold on, Your video about YouTube talks about not watching videos???
The problem with YouTube is anyone can make a video telling you what to do with no comeback or responsibility and upload it.
All our videos for the Topographical training course have been made by us, using our tried and trusted experience to tell you what you should definitely be doing and what not to do.
Some people undertake our online course only and go on to pass.
The best option in our experience is using the online course first and then if you feel you need to book yourself in for a classroom session to do so.
The online course prepares you and builds knowledge you can then put in to practice in the classroom.
Students that have undertaken our online course who then attend the classroom are far and above in the best position to pass and this is demonstrated by their achievements in the classroom.
All our videos for the Topographical training course have been made by us, using our tried and trusted experience to tell you what you should definitely be doing and what not to do.
Some people undertake our online course only and go on to pass.
The best option in our experience is using the online course first and then if you feel you need to book yourself in for a classroom session to do so.
The online course prepares you and builds knowledge you can then put in to practice in the classroom.
Students that have undertaken our online course who then attend the classroom are far and above in the best position to pass and this is demonstrated by their achievements in the classroom.
So why doesn't e-laws provide an online draw on the map course?
Our experience and feedback from students that have attempted this in the past with other training providers before coming to see us indicates the following:
Online technical issues including Issues loading content and providing timely effective feedback.
In the classroom we can immediately provide feedback and support and should any technical issues arise they would be dealt with immediately.
Therefore we maximize the time spent actually training you and not on resolving technical issues.
Online technical issues including Issues loading content and providing timely effective feedback.
In the classroom we can immediately provide feedback and support and should any technical issues arise they would be dealt with immediately.
Therefore we maximize the time spent actually training you and not on resolving technical issues.
FAQ - SERU Training
Who was the first company to provide a fully online SERU Training course?
We were the fist company, where we went others followed.
We have meticulously reversed engineered the driver’s handbook to devise the most effective questions possible which are likely to come up in the TFL SERU examination.
We have meticulously reversed engineered the driver’s handbook to devise the most effective questions possible which are likely to come up in the TFL SERU examination.
Do you offer classroom SERU Training?
We do not provide classroom SERU Training.
We have extensively tested our SERU Course with classroom students prior to launching the online course and found, students in the classroom wanted to spend more time on answering questions, as such the online course provides over 400 questions, explanation videos covering all Ten sections of the handbook which can be undertaken at home or anywhere you have internet connection for an unlimited amount of times for 30 days.
This is the best Cost Vs Time optimisation available for this course.
We have extensively tested our SERU Course with classroom students prior to launching the online course and found, students in the classroom wanted to spend more time on answering questions, as such the online course provides over 400 questions, explanation videos covering all Ten sections of the handbook which can be undertaken at home or anywhere you have internet connection for an unlimited amount of times for 30 days.
This is the best Cost Vs Time optimisation available for this course.
Are the questions the same as the exam?
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The questions have been made by us, they are very similar to the ones you will find in the exam but not identical.
Our course has been tested against the official SERU assessment and we are happy to confirm our SERU training material goes above and beyond what is required for the real test. Try sampling the software and question style by clicking the image below: |
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The sentence completion are drag and drop, but now in the exam it is drop down menu selection?
Correct, now in the exam the word selection is drop down instead of drag and drop (which is how the system was when it first launched.)
Its just a different way of selecting the words and does not change the learning or training preparation in anyway.
Our software will be updated to reflect this change in due course but for now continues to offer a great learning experience and the principle is the same - Fill in the blanks with the correct words!
Its just a different way of selecting the words and does not change the learning or training preparation in anyway.
Our software will be updated to reflect this change in due course but for now continues to offer a great learning experience and the principle is the same - Fill in the blanks with the correct words!
Does your SERU Training provide grammar and English Training?
No.
The SERU Assessment tests the candidates ability to:
Read and write English.
In doing so you be able to refer to the Drivers handbook for rules and regulations.
We do not not teach English and have always advised anyone that struggles with reading or writing English to attend a local community college whereby free courses are often available and provide the best possible training.
We do not believe a quick bolt on English package to our SERU course will be provide enough training for the benefit of our students.
Our SERU Course will enable those with sufficient pre-existing English skills to effectively prepare for the SERU Assessment.
The SERU Assessment tests the candidates ability to:
Read and write English.
In doing so you be able to refer to the Drivers handbook for rules and regulations.
We do not not teach English and have always advised anyone that struggles with reading or writing English to attend a local community college whereby free courses are often available and provide the best possible training.
We do not believe a quick bolt on English package to our SERU course will be provide enough training for the benefit of our students.
Our SERU Course will enable those with sufficient pre-existing English skills to effectively prepare for the SERU Assessment.
Is SERU Open or closed book?
As of June 2025 a copy of the Private Hire Drivers handbook will be provided to you in the assessment to refer to.
FAQ - Other Questions
What TfL Assessments do I need to Pass to get my Private Hire Driver Licence?
All new applicants who apply for a PHV Drivers licence will need to take and pass three assessments.
1) English Language speaking and listening
2) SERU
3 Topographical assessment
Before TfL will issue a licence.
1) English Language speaking and listening
2) SERU
3 Topographical assessment
Before TfL will issue a licence.
Does E Laws Training provide PCO Licence processing?
No.
We are a training company, we do not provide processing of any private hire applications.
There is no such thing as a fast track application, register on the official TfL website and follow the instructions to submit your online application to TfL.
We are a training company, we do not provide processing of any private hire applications.
There is no such thing as a fast track application, register on the official TfL website and follow the instructions to submit your online application to TfL.
Do E Laws Training recommend any private hire operators to work for?
No.
We are a training company, we are not a recruitment or marketing company.
We do not endorse any particular company to work with.
We will however make you aware of companies that exist and this is evident in the posters you might see in our classroom.
Who you choose to work for is up to you once you have acquired your licence.
We are a training company, we are not a recruitment or marketing company.
We do not endorse any particular company to work with.
We will however make you aware of companies that exist and this is evident in the posters you might see in our classroom.
Who you choose to work for is up to you once you have acquired your licence.
Is there an E laws Training centre near me?
There is only one of us!
We are based in Colliers Wood, SW19, London so if you are nearby then we are close to you!
Students have travelled hundreds of miles from well outside the greater London area to undertake training with us.
We understand this may not be possible for all students which is why if travel is a problem we offer our topographical online and SERU Online as alternatives.
We are based in Colliers Wood, SW19, London so if you are nearby then we are close to you!
Students have travelled hundreds of miles from well outside the greater London area to undertake training with us.
We understand this may not be possible for all students which is why if travel is a problem we offer our topographical online and SERU Online as alternatives.
Contact E Laws Training
Telephone: 07435 658 474
E-Mail info@e-lawstraining.com
Opening Hours:
Our training courses take place at Unit 10 The Long Shop, Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, Colliers Wood, London, England, SW19 2RD
Our offices are closed unless training is taking place, please do not visit us in person without an appointment.
All phone call messages or e-mails are responded to within 24 hours.
Our training courses take place at Unit 10 The Long Shop, Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, Colliers Wood, London, England, SW19 2RD
Our offices are closed unless training is taking place, please do not visit us in person without an appointment.
All phone call messages or e-mails are responded to within 24 hours.