From today, Wednesday 1 October 2025, new driving law changes mean all London taxi drivers will be required to meet strict English language standards as part of their licensing process.
Transport for London (TfL) has officially introduced the Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment, which all taxi driver licence applicants must now pass before being granted a licence.
In addition, any taxi drivers whose licences expire on or after today will also need to pass the SERU test at their next renewal.
Why the SERU Assessment Has Been Introduced
The move follows Department for Transport (DfT) guidance under the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Standards, which sets out mandatory rules for licensing authorities across England.
The SERU test is designed to ensure that every taxi driver in London is able to:
- Demonstrate sufficient English language skills (both written and spoken)
- Understand safeguarding responsibilities
- Be aware of equality and disability laws
- Show knowledge of taxi fares, payments, and licensing requirements
- Apply safe driving and driver safety standards
TfL has stressed that the rules are in place to protect both passengers and drivers, particularly when it comes to safeguarding vulnerable people.
Protecting Passengers and Vulnerable Adults
The DfT’s statutory guidance highlights that drivers who lack English proficiency could face difficulties understanding essential safeguarding policies or written instructions relating to child protection and vulnerable adults.
It also notes that spoken English is just as vital, since a driver may need to identify signs of exploitation or abuse through conversations with passengers and their interactions with others.
To prepare, drivers are expected to complete online safeguarding awareness training before sitting the SERU test.
What Drivers Need to Know
For new applicants, the SERU assessment is taken towards the end of the famous Knowledge of London process and can often be booked at the same time.
For existing drivers, failure to meet the requirement at renewal could result in delays or even refusal of a licence.
All the information required to pass the SERU test can be found in the official Taxi Driver Handbook.
What This Means for the Taxi Trade
This change marks one of the most significant licensing updates in recent years for the London taxi industry.
By standardising English language requirements and tying them to safeguarding training, authorities aim to raise public confidence and ensure that drivers are fully equipped to communicate with passengers, follow regulations, and provide a safe, professional service.
Source: GB News
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