A previously licensed taxi driver has to undertake a re-test if they have two years or more of not being licensed. Currently, they are sent guidelines in the post and have a pass or fail re-test. If they pass they are licensed; if they fail they go back to appearances.
Do London cab drivers still need the knowledge?
London taxi drivers are licensed and must have passed an extensive training course (the Knowledge). Unlike many other cities, the number of taxicab drivers in London is not limited. For many years purpose-designed vehicles were used, but from about 2008 specially adapted “people carrier” vehicles have also been used.
Do black cabs still do the knowledge?
Black cabs are licensed to pick people up from the street. To get a black cab license a driver has to study for this and this can take 3 years or so. It is colloquially called ‘The Knowledge’ and this is something that they’re proud to say they have.
What do London taxi drivers have to learn?
Passing the Knowledge ensures licensed London taxi drivers have a full understanding of London’s intricate road network. You must learn and memorise 320 routes (known as runs) and various points of interest (known as points) within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross.
How many streets do taxi drivers in London have to memorize?
25,000 streets
London cabbies spend 3.5 years memorizing the city’s 25,000 streets. Photographer Alexander Wilson documents the day in the life of black cab student.
Are people still doing the knowledge?
Do London black cab drivers still have to do “The Knowledge”? Yes, and it shows.
Can a London taxi refuse to take you?
A driver of a taxi (or hackney carriage) can only refuse to carry passengers within a controlled district if he has reasonable excuse to do so. What constitutes “reasonable excuse” is ultimately a matter for a court of law to determine.
Can you drive a black cab without the knowledge?
Anyone who wants to drive an iconic London cab must memorize them all: the Knowledge of London. The Knowledge was introduced as a requirement for taxi drivers in 1865.
Can a black taxi refuse a fare?
Taxi drivers are within their rights to refuse a fair – but only if they have a “reasonable excuse” or the passenger wants to travel outside of the controlled district.
Do London cabbies earn good money?
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.
How long does it take to do the London Knowledge?
It takes between two and four years to learn and pass the written and oral examinations of the ‘All London Knowledge’, after which drivers are issued with a green badge, entitling them to work anywhere in Greater London.
How hard is it to be 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.
How hard is the knowledge of London?
The average length of time it takes to pass the KOL is between 3 and 5 years. This might sound like a long time but when you consider drivers must learn around 25,000 streets, as well as around 20,000 unique London landmarks, it all starts to make a bit more sense.
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.
Can you fit 6 in a London taxi?
Electric taxis reduce pollution and help improve the air quality in London. Features of the Electric TXE Taxi include: Seating for 6 passengers. Spacious passenger compartment with ample luggage capacity.
Do London taxis still take cash?
First, you should know that all black cabs take credit or debit cards and contactless payment methods. While cash remains the standard form of payment, every black taxi carries card payment devices. The device can be fixed or handheld, but most taxis have it installed in the passenger compartment.
How much do London cab drivers make?
Average £43,206 per year
Is this useful?
How much of London does the knowledge cover?
The Knowledge comprises 320 routes which stretch across London. These routes, know in the trade as ‘runs’ can be found in the ‘Guide to Learning The Knowledge of London’ (more commonly known as the ‘Blue Book’, even though for decades the cover has been pink), which is issued to anyone who wants to become a cab driver.
Can you flag down a London taxi?
You are not allowed to flag down a private hire vehicle. In some towns and cities, you can take a private hire vehicle without booking in advance, but only from a designated taxi rank.
Can you still hail a black cab in London?
London’s official taxis, black cabs can be hailed in the street or at designated ranks located in prominent places, including many train, Tube and bus stations. They can also be booked through the Gett app and by phone. If the yellow taxi sign on the front is illuminated, the cab is available for hire.