Topographical Test: Everything You Need to Know to Succeed
Becoming a PCO driver in London requires you to pass a few assessments, including a topographical skill test. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the driver’s ability to read maps, plan routes, and navigate through London’s streets efficiently without any unnecessary delays.
The topographical test is an important test for drivers who want to work for Uber or any other private hire company like Bolt, FreeNow, etc.
Many PCO drivers find this test hard to pass due to the intricate nature of London’s roads. This detailed guide will help you pass your assessment easily.
Article Summary
- The goal of topographical test is to ensure that you can transport passengers through busy roads of London without being solely dependent on online maps.
- Anyone looking to obtain a PCO licence must pass the topographical test.
- Registering for a topographical test is a simple, three-step process. You just need to open the TFL website and complete the application form, after which TFL will send you an invitation to book the test and pay the fee.
- The topographical test has four sections.
- The test is valid for as long as you have a PCO licence.
- You need to score 60 out of 100 marks to pass the test.
- To prepare for the test, familiarise yourself with the test concepts and take help from relevant resources.
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What is a Topographical Test?
Topography means using maps. The goal of the topographical test is to ensure that you can navigate the busy roads of London without relying on GPS or other relevant tech.
As a PCO driver, it is your responsibility to transport passengers to their destinations without being solely dependent on online maps.
This is where your topographical knowledge comes in. It helps you avoid congested areas, take the best routes, and most importantly, eliminate the possibility of delays.
Who Should Take the Topographical Test?
Anyone wanting to obtain a PCO licence from Transport for London (TFL) must take the topographical test.
Unlike traditional taxi drivers in London who are required to memorise the city’s major streets and landmarks, the topographical test sees whether you can navigate using maps or tackle challenging situations such as satnav or GPS failures promptly.
Keep in mind that it’s not just new PCO drivers who need to take this test. If you were a PCO driver in the past, but your licence expired, you must retake the exam to obtain the licence.
Similarly, if you want to become a part-time PCO driver, occasional driver, or use a PCO licence in any other way, you must pass the topographical exam first.
This is to ensure that every PCO driver can handle the complexities that come with being in the ride-hailing industry.
How to Register for a Topographical Test?
In order to register for a topographical test, you should follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open the TFL website and complete the application. It’s a simple process that requires you to create an account and fill out some forms. Once you’re done with this, TFL will then confirm whether you meet the eligibility criteria. People who are eligible hold a valid UK driver’s licence for at least three years and also have the right to work in the UK.
Step 2: TFL will send you an invitation to book the test. The invitation includes instructions on how to book the test and details of the centers where the test is conducted. You can choose between Pier Walk and West Kensington as these two are the locations where the test is normally held.
Step 3: Now it’s time to pay the fee, which is £36. The fee is non-refundable so make sure you are available for the test before confirming your booking. On the test day, don’t forget to bring your UK driver’s licence and booking confirmation letter.
Note: TFL handles all the bookings directly. So, avoid third-party websites that claim to offer registration services for topographical test, as these sites may be fake.
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What Types of Questions Does the Topographical Test Include?
The topographical test contains four sections designed to test your knowledge of map reading. Here’s what you need to know about each section:
Section 1: Index Based Questions
In this section, you will be given an atlas (book of maps) and asked to locate different areas and places. All the locations are given in alphabetical order, so finding the required ones isn’t so difficult. The goal of this section is to check how well you can interpret the information that PCO drivers rely on a daily basis.
Here’s an example to help you understand better:
In the above image, the location names are given in alphabetical order, along with the grid reference and page number. So, if you are asked to locate the page number and grid reference for Acree Acres, you can say it’s on page 50 and has grid reference C2.
Section 2: General Topography
This section tests your understanding of directions. Similar to section 1, you will be given an atlas and asked to locate a given place as the starting point. Next, you will be given another location and asked in which direction it is with respect to the first location. Answering this question is simple as all you have to say is east, west, north, or south. However, the answer must be accurate, or points will be deducted.
Example question: In what direction is Heathrow airport from Central London?
Answer: West.
Section 3: Route Planning
This is a relatively challenging part compared to the first two. In this section, you will be asked to find the best route between two given points. The route should follow all the rules. No going the wrong way or violating signals.
Another difficulty in this section is that you can’t arrive at nearby locations, you should arrive at the exact destination. While in real life, the passengers may agree to be dropped off at nearby locations, the test doesn’t accept guesswork. So, you have to be precise.
Section 4: Compass Point Questions
This section tests your knowledge of the compass. For instance, you will be given questions like if you travel two streets south and one street north from a given point, where are you now? When answering the question, you will have to mention not only the direction in which you have travelled but also your new location.
You may get a different kind of question for this as well which includes a grid that checks whether you recognise road closure and one-way signs or not. The example question is given below:
In this image, you are asked to give correct directions from point A to Point C. The correct path is in green, while the red arrows and circles show road closure and one-way streets.
While PCO drivers usually rely on GPS technology to navigate the busy roads of London, TFL wants to make sure that you are familiar with basic navigational concepts. That’s the point of this section.
How Long is the Test Valid For?
Once passed, the topographical test remains valid for as long as you have the PCO licence. With that said, it’s always a good idea to keep your navigational skills up to date as London’s roads and traffic patterns are constantly evolving.
While you don’t need to retake the test every time a new road is developed, as a PCO driver, you must adapt to the changes in road layouts and traffic rules. And that’s where your topographical skills come in.
What Happens if I Fail the Test?
The test has a total of 100 marks, and you will need 60 marks to pass it. If you fail the test the first time, you can reappear in the test. However, if you fail the second attempt too, you will need to restart the whole process which includes filling out the application forms, choosing the test location, and paying the fee.
How to Prepare for the Topographical Test?
To prepare for the topographical test, familiarise yourself with the test concepts and utilise relevant resources, such as:
A-Z Maps of London: A comprehensive database of downloadable maps.
Online Tools: Utilise Google Maps and other similar online platforms to improve your route planning skills.Training Courses: Consider taking a training course that conducts mock exams and provides personalised advice.
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Conclusion
The topographical test is a significant step in your path to becoming a PCO driver. However, with the right preparation, you can easily pass this test. The right preparation includes familiarising yourself with the test structure, utilising relevant resources and practising regularly. You can also take mock tests and training courses to build confidence. The goal is to gather all the necessary knowledge possible so you can ace the test on the first attempt. So, prepare well and good luck for the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is topographical test hard?
The test isn’t tough, but you have to prepare well in order to clear it.
How many marks do I need to pass the topographical test?
You need to score 60 marks out of 100 to pass the test.
How many times can I appear in topographical test?
You can appear twice in the topographical test. If you fail both attempts, you will need to start the process from scratch.
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