A Comprehensive Guide for Transport for London TfL Topographical Test
4 October 2024
Transport for London's (TfL) Topographical Test is a key requirement for aspiring private hire drivers. This test is designed to assess a driver’s ability to navigate using a map and interpret geographical data effectively. The test consists of two main parts: multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and a route-drawing section. Here, we’ll break down the test, focusing on the essential aspects of both sections.
Part 1: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
The first part of the topographical test is a series of multiple-choice questions that cover three key topics:
Location Identification
Hospital and Train Station Indexing
Postcode Area Identification
1. Location Identification
You will be required to use the A-Z map book to identify specific locations, including streets, landmarks, and leisure centers. For example, you may be asked to find the page number and grid reference for Kingsway UB3. The options could be:
43S 84
76Gc 159
83Ua 174
To answer these questions correctly, it’s essential to know how to navigate the map’s index section to locate the correct grid references. You should practice finding major locations such as Watford, Barking, or Northolt.
2. Hospital and Train Station Indexing
Another crucial part of the MCQs is identifying the page number and grid reference for hospitals and train stations. Questions may ask you to locate specific medical facilities or transport stations like Minor Injuries Unit (Purley) or Tottenham Court Road Underground Station.
For instance, a question might ask:
What is the page number and grid reference for Whitton Hospital?
49Sa 50
33Mb 70
33Lb 70
The test could also ask about train stations like Victoria Coach Station or West Brompton Underground & Overground.
3. Postcode Area Identification
In this section, you will be given a postcode and asked to identify the area it covers. For example, you may be asked to find which area the postcode TW10 belongs to, with options like:
Richmond
Twickenham
Lewisham
It's crucial to know how to use the index pages to find areas associated with various postcodes, such as E8 (Hackney), SW1 (Westminster), or NW1 (Camden).
Other Questions
Beyond these topics, you will also encounter questions about compass directions, neighboring counties, motorways, and routes between junctions. These will test your geographical knowledge and ability to understand map directions accurately.
For example:
What is the final motorway to Brentwood?
M25
M11
M28
You should practice navigating between different parts of Greater London and its surrounding areas.
Part 2: Route-Drawing Exercise
The second part of the test focuses on your ability to plan and draw routes using an A-Z map book. This section is more practical, testing your skill in navigating using the map without relying on GPS.
Understanding Map Symbols and Directions
Before drawing any route, you need to be familiar with the symbols used for train stations, road types, and landmarks. The A-Z map book will be your guide, and you will need to consider:
Restricted Roads and One-Way Streets: Make sure you’re aware of these, as you cannot plan a route that crosses restricted or one-way roads against the flow of traffic.
Compass Directions: You will be asked to plan routes using specific directions like "travel 2 streets east, then 1 street south." Understanding basic compass points (North, South, East, West) is essential.
Example Route-Planning Exercise
Let’s say you’re given the following task:
Start at Junction 1 and travel 2 streets east. Then travel 1 street south. Where are you?
Here’s how you would approach this:
Open your A-Z map and locate Junction 1.
Using the map’s grid, count 2 streets east from Junction 1.
Then, travel 1 street south from that point.
Identify your new location based on your current position.
In another example, you may be asked to: Take the most direct route from Junction 1 to Junction 8, ensuring you avoid restricted roads and one-way streets.
In this case:
Find both Junction 1 and Junction 8 in the map’s index.
Identify the shortest path between the two points using streets that aren’t restricted.
Draw a logical route using streets that allow two-way traffic or follow the correct one-way direction.
Final Tips for Route Drawing
Keep it Simple: Choose the most straightforward roads and avoid overly complex paths.
Avoid Mistakes: Pay close attention to road restrictions and one-way streets, as planning a route that violates these rules could result in penalties.
Stay Within the Map Boundaries: Ensure your route remains on the available map and does not go off the grid.
Conclusion
The TfL Topographical Test is designed to assess your knowledge of London’s geography and your ability to navigate efficiently using an A-Z map. By preparing for both the MCQ and route-drawing sections, you’ll be better equipped to pass the test and move forward in your journey as a licensed private hire driver.
To succeed, practice using the A-Z map to locate streets, hospitals, train stations, and postcodes. Also, develop your ability to draw clear, logical routes on the map while adhering to the rules of the road. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with the layout of London’s roads and landmarks, ensuring a smooth test experience for Topographical and SERU test.
Good luck with your test preparation!