PCO SERU practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q11James has been charged with a speeding offence and his case has not yet been heard in court. Is he required to notify TfL at this stage?
✓ Correct answer: C. No, notification is only required upon conviction
TfL notification is only triggered by a motoring conviction; a pending charge that has not yet resulted in a finding of guilt does not create a reporting obligation. Why the other options are incorrect: • Yes, within seven days: The reporting duty arises from a conviction, not from when charges are brought. • Yes, straight away: Immediate notification applies only after a conviction, not upon being charged. • No, only at the time of licence renewal: Waiting until renewal is incorrect; once convicted, reporting should occur promptly rather than at renewal. • Yes, within 28 days: The 28-day rule relates to post-conviction reporting, not pre-trial charges.
Q12Natalie collects a passenger who has brought an assistance dog that was not mentioned in the booking. The passenger wants to keep the dog in the car. What obligation applies to Natalie under her licence conditions?
✓ Correct answer: A. She must transport the assistance dog at no additional cost
The Equality Act requires PHV drivers to carry passengers' assistance dogs and prohibits charging any additional fee for doing so. Why the other options are incorrect: • She is permitted to decline the journey: PHV drivers do not have the right to refuse a passenger travelling with an assistance dog. • She may levy a supplementary charge for the dog: Charging a passenger extra because of their assistance dog is not permitted. • She may ask for documentation proving the dog's status: There is no requirement for passengers to produce documentation for a recognised assistance dog. • She may ask the passenger to rebook at a later time: Asking the passenger to rebook is unnecessary; drivers are obliged to complete the journey with the assistance dog present.
Q13Raj is 50 years old and discloses on his PHV licence application that he had a heart condition that was treated two years ago. He meets all other eligibility requirements. What additional documentation must TfL receive before it can reach a decision?
✓ Correct answer: A. A medical fitness report from his general practitioner
Whenever an applicant discloses a medical condition that could affect driving safety, TfL requires a medical fitness report from the applicant's GP before a licence can be issued. Why the other options are incorrect: • An enhanced DBS check certificate: An enhanced DBS check is a standard requirement for all applicants but does not address medical fitness. • Evidence of his right to work in the UK: Proof of the right to work is required from all applicants and is not specific to medical disclosures. • A copy of his driving licence counterpart: The driving licence counterpart records driving history but contains no information about medical fitness. • A recent passport-sized photograph: A passport photograph is a general application requirement but does not satisfy the need for a medical fitness assessment.
Q14What is the maximum number of passengers a TfL-licensed private hire vehicle is permitted to carry?
✓ Correct answer: C. Up to 8 passengers
A TfL-licensed private hire vehicle may have no more than eight passenger seats, not counting the driver's seat. Why the other options are incorrect: • Up to 4 passengers: Four passenger seats falls well below the permitted maximum. • Up to 6 passengers: Six seats is below the ceiling allowed by TfL. • Up to 10 passengers: Ten seats would exceed the eight-passenger ceiling TfL imposes. • Up to 12 passengers: Twelve seats exceeds the maximum capacity permitted under TfL rules.
Q15Which of the following actions would amount to a breach of London PHV licence conditions?
✓ Correct answer: D. Accepting street hails
PHV drivers are not permitted to accept street hails; every journey must be arranged in advance through a licensed operator. Why the other options are incorrect: • Accepting a booking through a licensed operator: Taking bookings through a licensed operator is the correct and required method of operation. • Displaying the TfL licence plate correctly: Correctly displaying the TfL licence plate is a licence requirement, not a violation. • Pre-booking all journeys: Having all journeys pre-booked is precisely what the regulations require. • Wearing the driver badge visibly: Displaying the driver badge prominently is a condition of the licence, not a breach of it.
Q16What is the lowest level of insurance cover that a PHV vehicle is required to hold?
✓ Correct answer: B. Third party, fire and theft
PHV vehicles must be insured to at least third party, fire and theft level as a minimum standard. Why the other options are incorrect: • Third party only: Third party only cover does not include protection against fire damage or theft. • Fully comprehensive: Fully comprehensive cover exceeds the minimum requirement, though it remains permissible. • Public liability insurance: Public liability insurance is a separate category and does not satisfy the vehicle insurance standard. • No insurance is required: Insurance is a legal requirement for all PHV vehicles; no exemption exists.
Q17Tammy stored her TfL driver badge in her bag throughout her shift rather than wearing it visibly on her clothing. Which licence condition did she breach?
✓ Correct answer: A. Not displaying the driver badge on outer clothing where it is clearly visible
TfL requires drivers to wear their badge on outer clothing at all times so it is immediately visible to passengers. Why the other options are incorrect: • Carrying equipment that is prohibited in a PHV: Prohibited equipment is not the issue; the breach relates solely to badge display. • Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving: Mobile phone use is not described in this scenario. • Transporting more passengers than her licence permits: Passenger numbers are not relevant to this breach. • Declining to complete a pre-booked journey: Journey refusal is not part of this situation.
Q18Angela holds a current US driving licence. Is she eligible to apply for a PHV driver licence in London on this basis?
✓ Correct answer: B. No, only a UK or EU licence held for at least one year qualifies
TfL requires applicants to hold a full UK or EU driving licence that has been valid for at least one year; a US licence does not meet this criterion. Why the other options are incorrect: • Yes, US licences are recognised: Licences issued outside the EU are not accepted for PHV applications. • Yes, but only during the first 12 months before she must exchange it: There is no temporary 12-month grace provision for US licence holders. • Yes, provided she passes an international driving assessment: No international assessment pathway exists as an alternative to the UK or EU licence requirement. • No, unless she obtains a DVLA provisional licence: A provisional licence does not satisfy the full licence requirement for PHV applications.
Q19How many years does a London private hire vehicle driver licence remain valid before the holder must renew it?
✓ Correct answer: C. 3 years
A London PHV driver licence remains valid for three years, at which point the holder must apply for renewal. Why the other options are incorrect: • 1 year: One year is not the correct validity period for a PHV driver licence. • 2 years: The actual validity period exceeds two years. • 5 years: Five years is longer than the validity period TfL sets for PHV driver licences. • 10 years: TfL's licence term is considerably shorter than ten years.
Q20Sara applies for a new vehicle licence, but her car is 11 years old. What decision is TfL likely to reach?
✓ Correct answer: A. Reject the application because the vehicle exceeds the maximum age
TfL will not licence a new private hire vehicle that is more than 10 years old at the time of first application; Sara's 11-year-old car will be refused. Why the other options are incorrect: • Approve since only passenger age matters: The age of the vehicle — not the passenger — is the relevant eligibility criterion. • Approve conditionally pending a safety inspection: Conditional approval is not available for vehicles that exceed the 10-year age limit. • Defer until she provides more photos: Providing additional photographs does not override the maximum vehicle age requirement. • Issue a temporary licence for one year: TfL does not issue temporary licences as a workaround for over-age vehicles.
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