Some taxi drivers will actually have lived in a city they have their taxi licence in. They will know the main roads and how the addresses work. In a city with named streets (not numbered), a GPS will still come in handy to know EXACTLY where an address is.
Do taxi drivers still have to do the knowledge?
It’s still a requirement and helps keep the number of black cab drivers limited without having to impose quotas. Theoretically, there could be an infinite number of black cab drivers but since the examinations are so difficult it imposes a limit that can be changed by making the test a little easier or a little harder.
Do black cab drivers know every street?
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 many streets do London taxi drivers have to remember?
25,000 streets
You have to remember all of London’s 25,000 streets and roads, after all, as well as all the city’s major points of interest. First, we do something called the Blue Book, which is 320 runs that take you all the way around the city. The first run is Manor House to Gibson Square.
What problems do taxi drivers face?
Robbery. One of the biggest threats for taxi drivers is armed robbery. The perception is that taxi drivers will have lots of cash or mobile phones in the car and that they’re easy pickings. Some of the most common weapons used against taxi drivers have been syringes, CF sprays and knives.
Can a taxi driver 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.
Is it OK to not talk to taxi drivers?
If you don’t want to talk, just say that when you get into the car, and you’re done. You won’t have to tell you don’t want to chitchat as it won’t even start. Usually, cab drivers just want to be nice and offer small talks.
Can taxi drivers stop anywhere?
Taxis and private hire vehicles can only stop as long as is necessary for the customer to get in or out of the vehicle. This includes more time to assist wheelchair users and to make sure that the wheelchair is in the right position and safely secured.
What race are most taxi drivers?
White
The most common ethnicity of taxi cab drivers is White (58.2%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (21.0%), Asian (8.5%) and Black or African American (7.7%). In 2021, women earned 92% of what men earned.
Is it rude to sit in the back of a taxi?
In the United States, it is normal to take the back seat of a taxi, even if you are traveling alone. Most likely, the only time you would sit in the front would be if you are traveling with so many people (like a family trip) that not everyone can fit in the back. Other than that, you always sit in the back.
How do taxi drivers memorize streets?
Nowadays many taxi drivers use Waze. But after enough experience they become familiar with streets they’ve been to – just as we all learn by repetition.
Do London black cab drivers still have to do 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.
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.
Why do taxi drivers not wear seatbelts?
Interestingly, and perhaps surprisingly, licensed taxi drivers carrying passengers or ‘plying for hire’ don’t have to wear seatbelts. The reason behind this unusual law is to protect taxi drivers from being attacked – it’s thought that a seat belt could be used to hold the driver down in their seat.
What is Taxi Driver syndrome?
Taxi cab, livery, truck, and other drivers all objectively and subjectively may have more voiding dysfunction, infertility, urolithiasis, bladder cancer, and urinary infections as compared with nonprofessional drivers; this is called taxi cab syndrome.
How do taxi drivers stay healthy?
Health tips for professional drivers
- Make time for exercise.
- Develop good eating habits.
- Learn how to manage stress.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of rest and sleep.
- Rest easy with taxi fleet insurance from Taxi Insurer.
Is jumping a taxi illegal?
Is it illegal to leave a taxi without paying? If a passenger refuses to pay a taxi fare or leaves the vehicle without paying this could be considered a crime.
How long can a taxi driver drive for?
According to UK Government drivers’ hours regulations:
You may not drive for more than 10 hours a day. You must rest for at least 10 hours between 2 working days. If you have been driving continuously for 5 hours and 30 minutes, you must stop and rest for at least 30 minutes.
Is there a fine for throwing up in a taxi?
A soiling fee can be charged to any passenger who exits the taxi in such a state that requires it to be taken out of service. Food thrown around the taxi and other uncontrollable body functions have all cost passengers a soiling charge in the past.
Are taxi drivers happy endings?
Both Scorsese and Schrader have confirmed that Travis does indeed survive and what we see is ‘real-life’.
Can a taxi driver take my phone?
Many taxi drivers are unaware of the new regulations regarding mobile phones and need to understand that under the new TFL regulations. If a driver is caught using a mobile telephone or hand held device that is not in a cradle, you will have your taxi license REVOKED.