TfL Topographical Assessment Updates (May 2026)

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New updates have rolled out in the TfL Topographical Assessment in May 2026 and you for sure would like to know about it.

🔄Updates about Topographical Assessment include:

  • 70 minutes long (earlier 90 minutes)
  • 24 questions (earlier 25 questions)
  • 3 route planning questions worth 66% (earlier 4 questions worth 75%)
  • On screen map (earlier AZ book)

Note: The AZ book is no longer being. Instead you will be given an on screen map with a reference page (on paper) to help you understand the icons on the map.

🔒Stayed the same

  • You will still get 21 Multiple Choice Questions

🗺️A quick guide for the TfL Topographical Assessment

This assessment evaluates your ability if you are able to read maps and plan routes via a computer based system. A basic mouse usage is necessary.

📚Types of Questions in the test

There are three types of questions:

1: Route planning tasks: These check whether you can plan a route between two places using correct rules. Route planning is the most important part of the exam, because it is worth the majority of the marks.

2: Compass and direction questions: These test basic direction skills (North, South, East, West) and how junctions and roads relate to each other.

3: On-Screen Map question: These test require you to find information on the map by reading the map.

🗂️Here are the main sections of the test

  • Scenarios for planning routes (True/False questions)
  • Plan routes between locations
  • Map symbols understanding
  • Finding places of interest
  • Finding street
  • Recognize numbers of the road
  • Usage of directions and points of compass

🛣️Planning a route

In this section, you will face three route planning questions:

  1. Short route planning
  2. Short route planning with road closure
  3. Long route planning

⚠️ Pay attention to:

  • Green marker: Starting point
  • Red Marker: Ending point
  • Choose the most direct route
  • Read the directions of the questions carefully as some roads might be restricted or closed.

❌You will be penalized if:

  • Your starting and ending points are wrong
  • Plan the route backwards
  • You fail to choose the most direct route
  • You use closed roads or prohibited turns

📍Map Questions (Multiple Choice)

Use the onscreen map to answer the questions. Remember that some questions can be answered with one answer while some questions will require two answers.

Questions will be related to:

  • Map symbols
  • Places of interest
  • Street names
  • Road numbers
  • Compass directions

You will get a map reference page that explains the symbols.

📊Scoring

  • Route Planning: 66 Marks
  • Multiple Choice Questions: 34 marks
  • Total Marks: 100
  • Passing mark: At least 60%

📌Important notes:

  • Two examiners will check the routes to ensure accuracy
  • You will not get detailed feedback or copies of the assessment
  • You can watch a preparation video at: tfl.gov.uk/topographical

For more information visit:
https://content.tfl.gov.uk/topographical-assessment-guidelines.pdf