You need to be a certified English language speaker if you want a PCO licence. There are various English language tests for private hire drivers in London. The purpose is to verify whether you can read, write, listen, and speak well enough to get people where they’re going.
There are several subtleties in conversing with people which can’t be known fully by non-English speakers. It’s never as simple as “get me to the London Eye”. Instead, it’s about understanding your passenger’s need and reading between the lines.
So, here are the major English Language tests available for you to get your PCO licence.
Transport for London (TfL) English Language Requirement Tests
These are the standard English language tests created by the Transport for London department. There are 2 tests which were devised as standard in 2021. They judge all four language skills and also judge whether you’re capable enough to understand regulations.
- Speaking and Listening Assessment
The speaking and listening comprises a 15–20-minute conversation at the TfL offices. It is taken through a secure video or telephone link. It costs a total of £36. If you need to do a second attempt, you will be charged only £16.
You can check the PeopleCert website for more information on the test. You should review this information before you sit for the test.
- Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) Assessment
This is the reading and writing assessment part of the TfL tests. The SERU is based on information which is found in the PHV (Private Hire Vehicles) Driver’s Handbook. The knowledge from the handbook ensures that applicants understand the safety and regulatory requirements which apply.
As with the speaking and listening assessment, you will have to pay £36 for your first attempt. You can pay £16 for your second attempt.
You can get more information on the SERU test by visiting the official assessment guide.
Trinity College’s ISE: Integrated Skills in English I (B1)
Trinity College has been offering the ISE (Integrated Skills in English) test for many years. It measures all 4 English language skills and is considered a viable alternative to the standard TfL English language tests.
The test consists of:
1- A speaking and listening section consisting of 4 tasks. These are:
- Topic Task where you have to converse with the examiner on a topic of your choosing. You can fill out a topic form beforehand.
- Conversation Task where you have to carry on a random conversation about topics chosen by your examiner.
- Independent Listening Task 1 where you have to listen to conversations and answer questions.
- Independent Listening Task 2 where you have to listen to conversations and answer questions.
2- A reading and writing section consisting of 4 tasks. These are:
- Long Reading
- Multi-text Reading
- Reading into Writing
- Extended Writing
IELTS
The IELTS test is usually taken by immigrants or for VISA tests. It is taken as a proof of English proficiency.
The test consists of 4 sections (listening, speaking, reading, writing).
- Listening: Consists of 40 questions and lasts 30 minutes.
- Reading: Consists of 40 questions and lasts 60 minutes.
- Writing: Consists of 2 writing tasks and lasts 60 minutes.
- Speaking: Consists of 3 parts and lasts from 11-14 minutes.
Accepted English Language Certifications for a PCO Licence
There are several other certifications which are considered acceptable as alternatives for English language tests for PCO licence. These include English language tests from the high school reading level onwards.
GCSE/O Level
O Level exams are taken usually at the 10th-11th grade level. They are recognized as certified by the Cambridge Board. If you have an O Level certification, then you will be recognized as a certified English speaker in the UK.
AS-Level/A Level
AS or A Level exams are taken as the final exams for high school. They are usually submitted for college/university admissions. Hence, if they’re good enough for university admissions, they’re good enough for TfL alternatives.
UK NVQ/B-Tech/City & Guilds Qualifications
These English language tests need to be certified by the awarding body as equivalent to GCSE or above. With that, they can be considered as viable alternatives to the TfL tests.
UK HNC/HND Qualification
HNC (Higher National Certificate) or HND (Higher National Diploma) qualifications are 1-2 years courses. These are considered viable alternatives to TfL tests since they require so much time and effort.
UK BA Hons/BSc Hons/Master’s/PhD Degree
This should be plainly obvious. Any university degree gotten in the UK is proof that you’re an English speaker. A Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree in the UK requires a complex understanding of language. Without that, you simply can’t pass.