Comprehensive Guide for Passing the Topographic Skill Test to Get a PCO Licence

Are you thinking of becoming a private-hire driver in the United Kingdom? If yes, register yourself as an official PCO driver to obtain your licence. However, getting a PCO driving licence comes with various steps and rules that you need to pass, one of which is the topographical skill test.

 

What is the Topographical Skill Test?

 

The topographical skill test checks the applicant's basic knowledge and ability to read maps from A to Z of London. The test may involve the identification of landmarks, calculating distance, and route planning.

 

What is the Motto of the Skill Test?

 

The primary goal of taking the test is to make sure that the applicant knows the city inside and out and can navigate smoothly without facing any trouble. It is to check how fast you can calculate the distance and understand the landmarks for the passengers' timely drop-off.

 

How to Prepare for the Skill Test to Get a PCO Licence?

Meticulous preparation is crucial to passing the test and getting a PCO driving licence. With the right approach, you can achieve success easily. Here are some tips for you to get through the test:

 

●    Study the map thoroughly: Solid knowledge of London's geography is crucial to getting a PCO driving licence. Pay special attention to the mail route, off-routes, and connections between suburbs. If you do not know map symbols and scales, put some extra effort into learning them.

 

●    Memorise the landmarks: Make a list of all the important landmarks, such as commercial hubs, administrative centres, airports, parks, hospitals, and other important venues, to better understand the city.

 

●    Take regular practice tests of yourself: One of the key steps for passing the topographical skill test is to check your knowledge daily.

 

●    Revise consistently: Applicants often ignore the fact that constant revision can enhance skills and knowledge. If you are about to sit for the skill test, spend 30 minutes daily.

 

●    Prepare according to the test outline: Following a set path during the preparation stage can help you outline the syllabus and structure your study schedule.

Breakdown of the Topographical Skill Test: Know Here.

 

The topographical skill test is divided into five sections, each of which is conducted to examine your ability to surf through the streets of the United Kingdom. Here are the five steps that you need to follow:

●    Map reading ability: It is to check whether you can read the map and understand the signs.

●    Local route selection: The examiner will check your capability to plan out and select the route in local areas from one destination to another.

●    Intermediate route selection: This step checks on the ability to plan routes beyond the inner city of London.

●    Long-distance route selection: Checks on the ability to plan routes outside of London.

●    General topographical questions: the last step consists of general questions on map reading, including orientation and motorway outs.

 

Conclusion: Is it Hard to Pass the Test to Get a PCO Licence?

Passing the skill test can be challenging; however, following the above-mentioned steps can help guide you through the path correctly. The test is one of the pivotal requirements for PCO drivers, ensuring that you have the right knowledge to navigate through the city safely. If you are planning for a career as a private hire driver in London, then find the best local service provider and register yourself with a PCO application online.