How to apply
- You must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying (although you cannot be licensed until you are 21 years old).
- You must hold a full DVLA, Northern Ireland, or other European Economic Area state driving licence.
- You must have the right to live and work in the UK.
How much does a taxi license cost in London?
£95.00 (Payment over the phone only).
How long does it take to become a taxi driver in London?
To become a taxi driver, it usually takes between 12 and 16 weeks if you apply directly to your local authority. If you decide to take a college course before applying for your taxi driver’s licence, you’re usually looking at a couple of days to complete a Level 2 NVQ.
What test do London taxi drivers need?
All licensed taxi drivers must pass a taxi driving test. A taxi driver should be able to show that they’re considerate, safety conscious and have a high degree of vehicle control skills to make sure that customers travel in comfort and safety.
Can you drive a London taxi with private license?
Are you experienced enough to drive taxis for a living? If you wish to drive taxis in London, you’ll need to have held a full driving licence for a minimum of three years. If you wish to drive taxis outside of London, you’ll need to ask your local council for their own unique requirements.
Are London taxi drivers well paid?
As London cab drivers are self-employed and dictate how many hours they work, the role – and therefore the salary – is highly individualised. Estimates indicate that the average taxi driver earns around £625 per week.
How hard is the London taxi test?
That’s why London taxi drivers must pass one of the most difficult tests in the world that goes far beyond anything a GPS could tell them. The test is known as the Knowledge, and it takes candidates, on average, four years of study.
Is it hard to become a London taxi driver?
Taxis can be hailed in the street and asked to go anywhere, so a thorough understanding of London’s streets is essential. Mastering the Knowledge typically takes students three to four years. It’s a challenging but rewarding process and there’s plenty of help and support available.
Is it worth being a taxi driver UK?
Did you know that experienced private hire taxi drivers who work an average of 40 hours per week can expect to make around £30,000 per year? This is according to the National Careers Service. If you’re prepared to put in the work and be available during unsociable hours, you can see your profits reach new heights.
Is taxi driving good money?
Drivers are guaranteed to earn £5,000 in their first month, and average weekly earnings are around £1,000 before vehicle hire. There are plenty more reasons that make it worth being a minicab or taxi driver.
Do London taxi drivers still have to pass the Knowledge?
This is why taxi drivers have to learn and pass the world-famous Knowledge. London’s taxi service is the best in the world, in part because our cab drivers know the quickest routes through London’s complicated road network. There are thousands of streets and landmarks within a six mile radius of Charing Cross.
Do London taxi drivers still take the Knowledge?
The Knowledge was first introduced in 1865 but what needs to be learned largely remains the same. Drivers must memorise all the roads and landmarks within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross.
What are London taxi drivers called?
cabbies
Called a cabriolet, it quickly became known as a ‘cab’ – with drivers referred to as ‘cabbies‘. The taxi story took another turn at the end of the 19 th Century, when The Capital’s first motorised cabs hit the street.
Can I run my car as a taxi?
To operate your vehicle as a taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV) you need to get it licensed. There are different ways for you apply depending on whether you’ll operate: outside London. inside London.
Can you drive a London taxi as a normal car?
Yes, you can buy a London taxi and keep it as a personal vehicle. However, you should ensure that you aren’t misleading people into thinking the black cab is for hire – to do so, make sure the cab is modified so it’s fit for private use.
What type of car is London taxi?
The TX4 is a purpose-built taxicab (hackney carriage) manufactured by The London Taxi Company, a subsidiary of Geely Automobile of China.
| TX4 | |
|---|---|
| Height | 1,834 millimetres (72.2 in) 1,823 millimetres (71.8 in) (Englon TX4) |
| Curb weight | 1,975 kg (4,354 lb) 1,880–1,940 kg (4,145–4,277 lb) (Englon TX4) |
How much do London black cabs make?
Average £42,706 per year
Is this useful?
How much do London black cabs earn?
How much does a London cabbie earn? Driving for a good operator means you can easily earn the London living wage (£11.05 an hour) or more.
What is the London taxi Knowledge?
The Knowledge is the test that drivers of London black cabs must pass to show that they know the name and location of every street and the shortest or quickest route to it.
How do taxi drivers stay fit?
To get you started here are some simple exercises you can do outside of your vehicle: Take a short walk down the road. Walk up and down sets of stairs.
If you want to increase your exercise; you could try these moves that’ll make you breathe hard and fast:
- Jogging on the spot.
- Star jumps.
- Shoulder circles.
- Side-to-side leaps.
What skills do taxi drivers need?
To become a Taxi Driver, you’ll need:
- to be a confident driver who is able to drive well in any road and weather conditions.
- a helpful, trustworthy and patient manner.
- some number skills, as you’ll be dealing with cash a lot.
- to be able to deal with all types of people including the occasional awkward or difficult customer.