TLDR;
This video provides a comprehensive guide to the TfL topographical assessment required for London private hire drivers. It covers the assessment's structure, marking criteria, pass/fail rates, and preparation tips. The video also includes a mock test with route planning and multiple-choice questions, offering practical advice and demonstrating common mistakes to avoid.
- Overview of the TfL topographical assessment for London private hire drivers.
- Explanation of the assessment's structure, including route planning and multiple-choice questions.
- Analysis of the marking criteria and common reasons for failure.
- Practical tips for preparation, including map reading, route planning, and time management.
- Mock test with detailed explanations of correct and incorrect approaches.
Introduction to TfL Topographical Assessment [0:00]
The video introduces the TfL topographical assessment as a crucial requirement for becoming a licensed London private hire driver. It addresses frequently asked questions about the assessment, offering guidance while clarifying that it does not constitute formal advice. The video outlines the topics to be covered, including a description of the assessment, its structure, marking criteria, pass/fail rates, notice periods, preparation strategies, exam hall procedures, a mock test, and how the channel can assist with exam preparation.
Components of the Topographical Assessment [1:37]
The TfL topographical assessment requires applicants to read a digital map, identify locations, and plan direct routes digitally, accounting for 75% of the marks. Applicants must also use an index to identify locations and demonstrate knowledge of compass directions, which makes up the remaining 25%. The tests are conducted at a TfL centre under exam conditions. Route planning includes short routes (50%), road closures (20%), tunnel routes (20%), and long routes (20%). A passing mark requires an overall score of 60%, and it's possible to pass without passing both the route planning and multiple-choice sections individually.
A to Z Book and Question Types [3:06]
25% of the assessment is based on the A to Z Master Atlas of Greater London (18th edition). This section involves selecting correct grid references and map page numbers, answering directional questions, identifying nearest stations and motorways, planning routes between junctions, identifying counties bordering London, and answering compass-based directional questions.
Marking Criteria Explained [4:31]
To pass the TfL topographical assessment, a score of 60% or higher is required. TfL assesses whether the most direct route has been taken, if map symbols are understood (one-way systems, roundabouts), and if the correct starting location and destination are identified. Assessors also check for the correct identification of grid references and relevant questions. Each test is marked by a qualified assessor and checked by a second assessor, but no detailed feedback or copies of the assessment are provided.
Pass and Fail Rates [5:30]
Recent data indicates that the pass rate for the topographical assessment is around 49%, in contrast to the SERU assessment, which has a pass rate of approximately 80%. The high failure rate is attributed to candidates' lack of computer literacy and difficulty in planning routes on the TfL's digital map. The speaker criticises the map's user-friendliness compared to tools like Google Maps. Free assessments and feedback are offered to help applicants prepare for the SERU, topographical, and B1 speaking and listening assessments.
Reasons for Failure [7:07]
The main reasons for failure in the topographical assessment include incorrect route planning (not choosing the most direct route), poor map reading (misunderstanding grid references), misusing map symbols (ignoring one-way systems and roundabouts), incorrect use of compass directions, incomplete answers, failure to reach the destination, and not correctly identifying points.
Notice Period and Booking [8:27]
Once TfL has assessed an applicant's eligibility, they will be invited to book the topographical assessment along with the SERU and B1 assessments, all of which must be taken on the same day at the same centre. Assessments can be booked online or by phone, and rescheduling is also available through these channels. Results are viewable online, emailed, and provided as a printed copy.
How to Prepare for the Test [9:43]
To prepare for the test, it's important to understand the test format, including map reading, grid references, and compass directions, and to practice route planning. Candidates should be able to use the map index to find locations quickly and understand directional questions. Practising with a London A to Z map or a similar digital map is recommended. Focus on learning symbols, keys, and the index, and ensure the ability to identify the most direct and shortest routes, use junction and road names, avoid restricted roads, and judge directions between locations.
Training and Time Management [12:21]
Consider training with available providers, with options including dual training, one-to-one sessions, combined training, and mock tests. Effective time management is crucial; allocate 40 to 50 minutes for map route planning to secure 75% of the marks, and then proceed to the multiple-choice questions. Avoid starting with the multiple-choice questions to prevent losing time needed for route planning.
What Happens in the Exam Hall [13:49]
The TfL test centre is located at Pier Walk number 14, North Greenwich, a short walk from the station. Arrive at least 20 minutes early for ID checks at the reception, where a valid government-issued photo ID (driving licence or passport) is required. Photographs are taken upon arrival at the exam hall to prevent impersonation. A staff member will brief all candidates on the assessment before the exam begins.
Exam Screen and Route Planning Demo [16:22]
The exam screen includes various buttons for drawing and navigation. The left-hand side provides technical guidance on using the mouse, including scrolling for zooming and left-clicking for drawing. The "Flag" button allows candidates to mark questions for review, and the "Submit" button should only be clicked after completing the entire assessment, as it prevents any further changes. The video demonstrates a short route planning exercise from Bow Street to Concert Hall Approach, emphasising the importance of direct routes and avoiding common mistakes such as going against one-way systems or misinterpreting map symbols.
Road Closure Route Planning [23:17]
The video continues with a demonstration of route planning involving a road closure, from Delling Road to Dans Road with Glanton Close. This exercise highlights the importance of identifying and avoiding road closures, understanding one-way streets, and correctly interpreting map symbols such as train lines. Common mistakes include driving on the wrong side of the road, entering closed roads, and misinterpreting the arrow symbols indicating one-way streets.
Tunnel Route Planning [28:50]
The video explains how to plan a route through the Rotherhithe tunnel, from east to southeast London. The key is to identify a midpoint and maintain the most direct route. Common mistakes include misinterpreting solid blocks as impassable, failing to recognise roads, and not staying within the tunnel boundaries. The video stresses that only the Rotherhithe, Blackwell and Limehouse tunnels are assessed in the exam.
Long Route Planning [35:25]
The video demonstrates a long route planning exercise from Hana Close to A406, emphasising the importance of identifying the most direct route. Common mistakes include continuing on A406 and missing the turn, touching the flyover boundaries, and misinterpreting the train station connections. The video also highlights frequently repeated routes and landmarks in the exam.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) Introduction [39:31]
The video transitions to the multiple-choice section of the assessment, noting that while there is no allocated time in the actual exam, the mock test is designed to be completed within 40 to 50 minutes. The exercise includes real exam questions and numbering, with 21 questions in total. The questions at the beginning are worth one mark each, while the compass direction questions at the end are worth two marks. The video uses the A to Z Master Atlas of Greater London (18th edition) to find the answers.
Using the A to Z Book [40:48]
The video explains how to use the A to Z book to answer multiple-choice questions. Key pages include the key to map pages, which helps answer directional questions and identify nearest motorways and stations, and the index, which provides reference and page numbers for various locations. The index includes abbreviations, numbers, and alphabetical listings, making it essential for quickly finding places.
MCQ Examples: Grid References and Page Numbers [46:11]
The video demonstrates how to answer grid reference and page number questions using the A to Z book. It emphasises that the assessment uses a drop-down format for selecting grid references and page numbers separately. The video provides step-by-step instructions on finding locations like Two Temple Place and East Surrey Museum, highlighting the importance of case sensitivity and using the index effectively.
MCQ Examples: Directional Questions [50:40]
The video explains how to answer directional questions using the A to Z book and a compass. It demonstrates how to determine the direction from London to central London and from central London to Waybridge, using the page numbers from the index and the compass to identify the correct direction.
MCQ Examples: Nearest Station Questions [52:46]
The video explains how to answer nearest station questions, emphasising the importance of reading the question carefully to determine whether it's asking for any station, an underground station, or an overground station. It demonstrates how to find the nearest station to Acton Swimming Baths using the index and map pages.
MCQ Examples: Motorway and Route Planning Questions [55:06]
The video explains how to identify the nearest motorway to a location and how to plan routes between junctions using the A to Z book. It demonstrates how to find the nearest motorway to Lightwater and how to select the correct pages for planning a route between junctions on the M25 and M20.
MCQ Examples: Counties Bordering London [59:59]
The video explains how to identify the counties bordering central London using the key to map pages. It lists the six counties and demonstrates how to select the correct options.
MCQ Examples: Motorways Crossing the M25 [1:01:16]
The video explains how to identify the motorways crossing the M25 using the key to map pages. It lists the motorways that cross the M25 and demonstrates how to select the correct options.
MCQ Examples: Compass Direction Questions (Advanced) [1:02:35]
The video explains how to answer compass direction questions, which carry two marks each. It demonstrates how to navigate a series of junctions based on compass directions and how to select the correct junction number.
MCQ Examples: Route Selection with Constraints [1:04:06]
The video explains how to select the correct route between two locations, considering constraints such as road closures and one-way streets. It demonstrates how to choose the correct route from Big Ben to The Shot, avoiding closed junctions and one-way streets.
MCQ Examples: Junction Navigation [1:05:39]
The video explains how to navigate between junctions, considering no entries and one-way streets. It demonstrates how to select the correct sequence of junctions to travel from junction 8 to junction 14, avoiding invalid options.
Conclusion and Additional Resources [1:08:16]
The video concludes by summarising the training options available, including one-to-one sessions and self-practice materials. It highlights the availability of multiple-choice mock tests with real exam questions on the channel's website. The speaker encourages viewers to like, share, and comment on the video, and to subscribe to the channel for more content.
