Getting ready for your London private hire licence means mastering map skills, road numbers, and compass directions. Using realistic topographical test practice questions is the best way to get used to the computer screen format and the type of questions TfL asks.
What the real assessment asks
The TfL Topographical assessment is computer based. You need a basic understanding of how to use a mouse to move around the screen.
The test is split into two distinct parts. You face three route planning questions: one short route, one short route with a road closure, and one long route. On your screen, the start point is shown with a green marker, and the end point is shown with a red marker.
The assessment is scored out of 100 marks. Route planning makes up 66 marks, while the multiple-choice questions account for 34 marks. You need a pass mark of 60% or above to pass.
You lose route marks for several common mistakes. These include not starting or ending in the correct place, planning the route in reverse, not following the most direct route, or taking a route or turn prohibited by the map symbols.
Routes are marked by a Topographical Assessor, then checked by a second assessor. TfL does not give detailed individual feedback or copies of the assessment. If you want to know more about the process or need assistance, you can read our guide on how to book the assessment.
How to use these questions
Cover the answer section with a piece of paper or scroll slowly so you don’t spoil the answers. Read each question carefully, look at the options, and make your choice first.
Once you have your answer written down, read the explanation to check your reasoning. If you struggle with a specific type of question, you can read our guide on how to plan a route in the assessment for more tips. Time yourself as you go through the list to build your speed.
Compass and directions (questions 1-6)
Question 1: You are driving north and turn right. Which direction are you now facing?
- A North
- B South
- C East
- D West
Answer: C East. Turning right from north always leads east.
Question 2: You are driving south and turn right. Which direction are you now facing?
- A East
- B West
- C North
- D South
Answer: B West. When you face south, your right hand points west.
Question 3: You are heading west. You make a U-turn and then turn left. Which direction are you now facing?
- A North
- B South
- C East
- D West
Answer: A North. The U-turn points you east; a left turn from east is north.
Question 4: Which direction is directly opposite south-west?
- A North-west
- B South-east
- C North-east
- D East
Answer: C North-east. Opposite directions swap both parts: south becomes north and west becomes east.
Question 5: From central London, in which direction is Watford?
- A North-west
- B South-east
- C North-east
- D South-west
Answer: A North-west. Watford is in Hertfordshire, north-west of central London near M25 junctions 19 to 21.
Question 6: From central London, in which direction is Dartford?
- A North-west
- B South-east
- C South-west
- D North-east
Answer: B South-east. Dartford is in Kent, near the Dartford Crossing on the M25.
London road numbers (questions 7-14)
Question 7: What is the road number of the North Circular Road?
- A A205
- B A406
- C A40
- D A1
Answer: B A406.
Question 8: What is the road number of the South Circular Road?
- A A205
- B A406
- C A3
- D A23
Answer: A A205.
Question 9: Edgware Road, running north from Marble Arch, is part of which road?
- A A41
- B A1
- C A5
- D A10
Answer: C A5. The A5 follows the old Roman road, Watling Street.
Question 10: Old Kent Road is part of which road?
- A A2
- B A20
- C A21
- D A13
Answer: A A2.
Question 11: The Westway, the raised road between Paddington and White City, carries which road number?
- A A4
- B A40
- C A406
- D A5
Answer: B A40.
Question 12: Cromwell Road in South Kensington carries which road number?
- A A3
- B A4
- C A40
- D A315
Answer: B A4. The A4 continues west towards Hammersmith and the M4.
Question 13: Holloway Road in north London is part of which road?
- A A1
- B A10
- C A5
- D A41
Answer: A A1.
Question 14: Commercial Road and East India Dock Road in east London are part of which road?
- A A12
- B A11
- C A13
- D A2
Answer: C A13.
Places of interest (questions 15-22)
Question 15: On which road is the Royal Albert Hall?
- A Exhibition Road
- B Kensington Gore
- C Cromwell Road
- D Brompton Road
Answer: B Kensington Gore.
Question 16: On which road is Harrods?
- A Sloane Street
- B Oxford Street
- C Brompton Road
- D King’s Road
Answer: C Brompton Road.
Question 17: On which street is the main entrance of the British Museum?
- A Great Russell Street
- B Gower Street
- C Euston Road
- D Southampton Row
Answer: A Great Russell Street.
Question 18: On which road is Madame Tussauds?
- A Baker Street
- B Euston Road
- C Oxford Street
- D Marylebone Road
Answer: D Marylebone Road.
Question 19: Paddington station is on which street?
- A Bayswater Road
- B Edgware Road
- C Praed Street
- D Marylebone Road
Answer: C Praed Street.
Question 20: The Royal London Hospital is on which road?
- A Mile End Road
- B Commercial Street
- C Whitechapel Road
- D Cable Street
Answer: C Whitechapel Road.
Question 21: Which London airport is in the London Borough of Newham?
- A London City Airport
- B Heathrow
- C Luton
- D Gatwick
Answer: A London City Airport, in the Royal Docks.
Question 22: From which London station do Eurostar trains leave?
- A King’s Cross
- B St Pancras International
- C Waterloo
- D Euston
Answer: B St Pancras International.
Route planning rules: true or false (questions 23-25)
Question 23: True or false: you can lose marks if you plan the right roads but draw the route from the end point back to the start.
- A True
- B False
Answer: True. TfL lists planning the route in reverse as a reason for losing marks.
Question 24: True or false: in the route questions the start point is shown with a red marker.
- A True
- B False
Answer: False. The start is the green marker and the end is the red marker.
Question 25: True or false: the three route planning questions are worth more than half of the total marks.
- A True
- B False
Answer: True. They carry 66 of the 100 marks.
How did you do?
Add up your correct answers to see where your knowledge stands:
- 22+: You are ready for timed mocks. Try taking a Topographical mock test to check your timing under exam conditions.
- 15-21: Revise weak sections. Focus on the road numbers or compass points you missed before trying again.
- Under 15: Start with the map basics. Learn your central London road numbers and practise simple directions first.
Try 10 more free Topographical questions
Prefer paper? Get our free Topographical practice PDF: 33 more questions with an answer key, ready to print.
Information checked against official guidance, November 2026: TfL guidance, TfL Topographical assessment guidelines (PDF, linked from that page).
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in the TfL Topographical test?
The assessment includes three route planning questions alongside several multiple-choice questions covering map symbols, road numbers, places of interest, and compass directions.
What is the pass mark for the Topographical test?
You need to score 60% or above to pass the assessment out of a total of 100 marks.
Is the Topographical test on paper or on a computer?
The assessment is computer based, so you will need a basic understanding of how to use a mouse.
Can I take the Topographical test again if I fail?
Yes, you can book a re-sit. The cost is £40 the first time and £30 for any re-sit.