PCO Topographical Skills Training

The Following is the complete topographical skills specification list and anyone wishing to obtain a PCO “London Private Hire Drivers Licence” will need to undergo a Topographical Assessment before their licence can be granted.

Part 1 – Overview

1.     Introduction and background

2.     Assessment structure

3.     Module/Unit descriptions

4.     Guidance on structure

5.     Guidance on delivery – instruction/assessment methods

6.     Recording evidence

Part 2 – Topographical Test: Module/unit structure

Part 3 – Detailed assessment criteria

Module/Unit 1: Ability to comprehend a map index, read a map and locate streets or places on a map

Module/Unit 2: Route selection (Local)

Module/Unit 3: Route selection (Intermediate)

Module/Unit 4: Route selection (Long distance)

Module/Unit 5: General Topography

 

Part 1 – Overview

1.      Introduction and background

1.1    The PCO award in private hire topographical skills has been designed to meet the needs of private hire drivers wishing to work within the Greater London area.       To fulfil the statutory requirement the Licensing Authority requires applicants to show to the authority’s satisfaction (whether by taking a test or otherwise) that they possess a level of:

(a)     knowledge of London or parts of London, and

(b)     general topographical skills, which appears to the authority to be appropriate.

1.2    In consultation with the private hire trade associations in London, and following widespread public consultation in July 2002, this specification has been developed and is considered to represent the appropriate standard of topographical skill that a private hire driver in London needs to demonstrate in order to become licensed.

2.      Assessment structure

2.1    The assessment comprises five specific units or modules, which are:

Module 1 – Map reading ability

Module 2 – Route selection (Local)

Module 3 – Route selection (Intermediate)

Module 4 – Route selection (Long distance)

Module 5 – General topography

2.2    Paragraphs 2.3 to 6.1 below are intended to give practical guidance examples as to how an applicant can be assessed. These examples should not be regarded as prescriptive or necessarily appropriate to every applicant, but should be used as a framework for assessing each applicant in accordance with the detailed examples contained within Part 2 of this document entitled

‘Module Unit Structure’.

2.3       Module 1

The fundamental topographical skill of being able to understand how to use a map, index and grid reference system is assessed in Module 1.

2.4       Modules 2, 3 & 4

Each route selection module requires the applicant to identify the location of the start and finish points, demonstrate the appropriate route between the two points and answer a question related to the selected route.

It is considered appropriate that candidates can demonstrate the ability to use maps of different scales depending on the type of route to be planned. This can be achieved by requiring candidates to demonstrate a variety of route types. By asking for a broad range of skills, the assessment remains fitted to all types of private hire driver in all areas of London.

It is proposed that the assessment system would allow a candidate to select the area of the start points according to personal preference e.g. borough, postcode etc. of their home address or operating centre.

This allows the system to be designed to meet the needs of individual candidates, with questions based on the area in which they choose to operate. By tailoring the questions in this manner, not only are applicants demonstrating topographical skills but also applying their personal knowledge of London.

2.5       Module 5: General Topography

Whilst Modules 1, 2, 3 & 4 are assessing the fundamental topographical skills required of a private hire driver, Module 5 is designed to assess their more general knowledge of London and, as such, it should be assessed without reference to a map or other aid.

It is suggested that the subjects of questions 5D to 5I (as set out in Part 2) would relate to major locations e.g. airports, towns, cities etc. outside the Greater London area.

3.      Module/Unit descriptions

3.1    Module/unit 1 is designed to assess the fundamental topographical skill of being able to understand how to use a map index and grid reference system. Module/units 2,3 and 4 require the applicant to identify the location of the start and finish points, demonstrate the appropriate route between two points and answer a question related to the selected route.

3.2    Candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to use maps of different scales depending on the type of route to be planned.  This can be achieved by requiring candidates to demonstrate a variety of route types.

3.3    It is proposed that the assessment system would allow a candidate to select the area of the start and finish points according to borough, postcode etc of their home address or operating centre. This would allow the system to be bespoke to the needs of individual candidates, with questions based on the area in which they choose to operate.  By tailoring the questions in this manner, not only are applicants demonstrating topographical skills but also applying their personal knowledge of London.

3.4    Module/unit 5 is designed to assess the more general knowledge of London and as it should be assessed without reference to a map or other aid. It contains a series of questions on the general knowledge of London in relation to routes and motorways radiating outwards from central London. It may also

 

be relevant, for example, to include, where appropriate, the locations and routes to such places as major stations or transport hubs, famous tourist sites, points of local interest in the applicants chosen area, or locations relevant to the nature of the private hire operation the applicant intends to join.

4.      Guidance on structure

4.1    The assessment is written in terms of learning outcomes, assessment requirements and underlying content. The learning outcomes summarise what candidates need to do to successfully achieve each unit. Each outcome is

then translated into concise bullet points of assessment requirements indicating what candidates need to demonstrate as their assessment for the unit. The content section of the specification details the underlying knowledge that candidates need in order to meet the assessment requirements.

4.2    The content will provide trainers with the coverage required by any training programme. Assessments should be designed to meet all assessment requirements. At the end of each unit there is a guidance section giving advice on assessment, delivery and available resources.

5.      Guidance on delivery – instruction/assessment methods

5.1    The method of delivery is not prescriptive. The service provider will select an instruction/assessment method, or combination of methods, tailored to best meet the needs or requirements of individual applicants.

5.2    It is expected that the service provider will be able to take account of an applicant’s preferred method of learning and to tailor the assessment so as to maximise the performance of the applicant.

5.3    The delivery of each module should be structured in such a way that the instructor/assessor has enabled the applicant to:

  • learn effectively
  • demonstrate understanding
  • prove understanding.

6.      Recording evidence

6.1    For each applicant, a record of the assessment and standard achieved must be retained and presented for inspection on request by the PCO or the applicant.

 

Part 2 – Topographical Test: Module/unit structure

Requirement Implementation Achievement Standard
Module 1Comprehension Ability to read English (or any other language specified by the Licensing Authority) Mandatory
Module 1Ability to read a map A:Understand index reference: A1: Understanding alphabetical indices Mandatory
A2: Understanding of page reference Mandatory
A3: Understanding of grid reference. Mandatory
B:Location identification: B1: Identification of correct page Mandatory
B2: Identification of correct grid square Mandatory
B3: Identification of location Mandatory
C:Location identification: C1: Identification of correct page Mandatory
C2: Identification of correct grid square Mandatory
C3: Identification of location Mandatory

 

Requirement Implementation Achievement Points
Module 2Local Route Selection Using skills obtained in Module 1 complete the following: 2A: Find pick up and drop addresses. (Write page and map reference)
2B: Using an atlas or mapping tool plot and demonstrate route from pick up address to drop address. Mandatory
2C: Name the nearest station to each of the pick up and drop addresses
Module 3IntermediateRoute Selection Using skills obtained in Module 1 complete the following: 3A: Find pick up and drop addresses. (Write page and map reference)
3B: Using atlas or mapping tool plot and demonstrate route from pick up address to drop address. Mandatory
3C: Identify ‘n’ postal districts, post towns or postal localities this route travels through.
Module 4Long DistanceRoute Selection

(Routes to major locations in south east England)

Using skills obtained in Module 1 complete the following: 4A: Find pick up and drop addresses. (Write page and map reference)
4B: Using atlas or mapping tool plot and demonstrate route from pick up address to drop address. Mandatory
4C: Name a minimum of2 motorways or ‘A’ class roads used in reaching the drop address.

 

Requirement Implementation Achievement Standard
Module 5General TopographicalQuestions To be answered without the use of an atlas or mapping tool. 5A: Name and draw the4 primary compass points Mandatory
5B: Name 4 counties bordering London
5C: Name 4 motorways which radiate from the M25 Mandatory
5D: From central London, which direction is XXX? Mandatory
5E: From central London which motorway would you use to reach 5D? Mandatory
5F: From centralLondon, which direction isXXX?
5G: From central London, which motorway would you use to reach 5F?
5H: From central London, which direction is XXX?
5I: From central London, which motorway would you use to reach 5H?

 

Part 3 – Detailed assessment criteria

Module/Unit 1: Ability to comprehend a map index, read a map and locate streets or places on a map

Description of unit

This is the fundamental topographical skill.  It is important for a driver to be able to understand how to use a map, index and grid reference system.

Summary of outcomes

1) Ability of the private hire driver to read and understand a map index and map grid referencing.

2) Ability to apply grid references of specific streets or places. Locate their positions and map pages.

Content

1) Ability of the private hire driver to read and understand a map index and map referencing.

2) Ability to read a map this includes, understanding an index reference and identifying a location.

Outcomes and assessment requirements

Outcomes Assessment requirementsTo achieve each outcome a student must demonstrate the ability to:
1) Ability to read map indexes and references Understand alphabetical indicesUnderstand page references
2) Ability to apply map indexes and references Understand applied map indexes and references
3) Location Identification Identify the correct pageIdentify the correct grid squareIdentify the location

 

Module/Unit 2: Route selection (Local)

Description of unit

Using experience gained in unit 1, the candidate is expected to locate the start and finish points of a route (less than five miles), and show an appropriate route between these two points.

Summary of outcomes

1) The candidate must be able to identify the location of start and finish points by writing the page and map reference.

2) Use an atlas to demonstrate the route from start address to finish address.

3) Name the nearest station to each of the start and finish addresses.

Content: For local routes

1) Find start and finish addresses. (write page and map reference number).

2) Using an atlas to plot and demonstrate routes from start address to finish address.

3) Demonstrate a variety of route types and ability to use maps of different scales.

4) Name the nearest station to each of the start and finish addresses.

Outcomes and assessment requirements

Outcomes Assessment requirementsTo achieve each outcome a student must demonstrate the ability to:
1) Ability to locate start and finish addresses Find start and finish addresses
2) Ability to use an atlas to plot a route Use an atlas to plot a route from start address to finish address
3) Be able to name the nearest station to each of the start and finish addresses Name the nearest station to each of the start and finish addresses

 

Module/Unit 3: Route selection (Intermediate)

Description of unit

This unit requires the candidate to locate start and finish addresses. Use an atlas to plot the routes (between five to thirty miles) and to identify the postal districts, post towns or localities the route travels through.

Summary of outcomes

1) The candidate must be able to identify the location of start and finish points writing the page and map reference.

2) Use an atlas to demonstrate the route from start address to finish address.

3) Name the nearest station to each of the start and finish addresses.

Content: For intermediate routes

1) Find start and finish addresses (write page and map reference number).

2) Using an atlas to demonstrate routes from start address to finish address.

3) Name the nearest station to each of the start and finish addresses.

4) Identify an unlimited number of postal districts, postal towns or localities a specified route travels through.

Outcomes and assessment requirements

Outcomes Assessment requirementsTo achieve each outcome a student must demonstrate the ability to:
1) Ability to locate start and finish addresses Find start and finish addresses
2) Ability to use an atlas to plot a route Use an atlas to plot a route from start address to finish address
3) Be able to name the nearest station to each of the start and finish addresses Name the nearest station to each of the start and finish addresses
4) Identify an unlimited number of postal districts, towns or localities a specified route travels through Recognise an unlimited number of postal districts, towns or localities a specified route travels through

 

Module/Unit 4: Route selection (Long distance)

Description of unit

This unit requires the candidate to locate start and finish addresses and the nearest station to them. Use an atlas to plot the routes (over thirty miles) and to demonstrate a variety of route types. Finally to name two motorways or ‘A’ class roads used in reaching the finish addresses.

Summary of outcomes

1) The candidate must be able to identify the location of start and finish points writing the page and map reference.

2) Use an atlas to demonstrate the route from start address to finish address.

3) Name the nearest station to each of the start and finish addresses.

Content: For Long distance routes

1) Find start and finish addresses (write page and map reference number).

2) Using an atlas to plot and demonstrate routes from start address to finish address.

3) Demonstrate a variety of route types e.g. the quickest route, the shortest route or the route avoiding motorways.

4) Be able to name the nearest station to each of the start and finish addresses.

5) Name a minimum of two motorways or ‘A’ class roads used in reaching the drop address.

Outcomes and assessment requirements

Outcomes Assessment requirementsTo achieve each outcome a student must demonstrate the ability to:
1) Ability to locate start and finish addresses Find start and finish addresses
2) Ability to use an atlas to plot a route Use an atlas to plot a route from start address to finish address
3) Be able to name the nearest station to each of the start and finish addresses Name the nearest station to each of the start and finish addresses
4) Demonstrate a variety of route types • Show knowledge of different route types
5) Name a minimum of two motorways or ‘A’ class roads used to reach the finish addresses • Know at least two motorways or ‘A’ class roads used to reach the finish addresses

 

Module/Unit 5: General Topography

Description of unit

Unit 5 is designed to test the candidates’ general knowledge of London and as such it should be tested without reference to a map or other aid. The candidate has to answer a series of questions about routes and motorways radiating outwards from central London.

Summary of outcomes

1) The candidate must know the compass points and develop a good sense of direction.

2) Learn the major motor ways originating from London and radiating outwards from the M25.

Content

1) Know the primary compass points and develop a good sense of direction.

2) Learn the major motor ways originating from London and radiating outwards from the M25.

3) Learn the counties surrounding London.

Outcomes and assessment requirements

Outcomes Assessment requirementsTo achieve each outcome a student must demonstrate the ability to:
1) The candidate must know the primary compass point Know the primary compass points and be able to apply this knowledge
2) Learn the major motorways originating from London and radiating outwards from the M25 Learn the major motorways originating from London and radiating outwards from the M25
3) Learn the counties surrounding London Learn the counties surrounding London