TfL topographical test advice, route-planning methods and PCO preparation
Practical articles written around the decisions candidates actually need to make on a map — with official TfL sources separated clearly from independent training advice.
TfL Topographical Assessment 2026: what to expect and how to prepare
A practical overview of the current TfL topographical assessment and the route-planning skills worth practising before your appointment.
Read article → Route planningHow to plot a topographical route: a repeatable step-by-step method
A route-planning routine you can repeat until it becomes automatic: scan, check, choose, plot and review.
Read article → Mistakes & feedback12 common topographical test mistakes — and how to fix them
The mistakes that repeatedly turn an otherwise sensible route into a weak attempt, plus a practical fix for each one.
Read article → Road closuresRoad closure questions: how to plan a clean detour
Treat the closure as one route constraint, not a reason to abandon the whole journey.
Read article → Map rulesOne-way roads and roundabouts: avoid direction mistakes
Direction errors are often avoidable if you check the restriction before you commit to the road.
Read article → Map readingMap symbols and structures that change your route decision
The important skill is not naming every symbol — it is recognising which map features change whether your chosen roads connect.
Read article → PreparationThe day before your topographical assessment: a practical checklist
Use the final day to stabilise your process, not to overwhelm yourself with dozens of new routes.
Read article → Costs & resitsTfL topographical assessment cost and resit fee in 2026
The current official fees are straightforward; the bigger question is how to use your preparation time efficiently before paying for another attempt.
Read article → PCO licensingTopographical assessment vs SERU: what is the difference?
They are separate requirements that test different skills, so they need different preparation methods.
Read article → PCO licensingWhere topographical assessment fits in the PCO licence application
Topography is one part of the London private hire driver licensing process, not the whole application.
Read article → Study plansA seven-day topographical practice plan
A focused week of practice can be organised around skill progression rather than random route volume.
Read article → Practice methodInteractive route plotting vs watching route videos
Watching can explain a method; plotting is what tests whether you can make the route decision yourself.
Read article →Reading explains the rule. Plotting the route tests whether you can use it.
Try the Cassland Road closure exercise with the same interactive route trainer used across the full practice bank.