Drivers who own their cabs as opposed to renting from a garage are known as “mushers” and those who have just passed the “knowledge” are known as “butter boys”. There are currently around 21,000 black cabs in London, licensed by the Public Carriage Office. Elsewhere, councils have their own regulations.
How many cab drivers are there in London?
| London – March 2022 (thousands) | England – March 2022 (thousands) | |
|---|---|---|
| Total driver licences | 119.6 | 330.3 |
| Taxi only licences | 19.5 | 40.0 |
| PHV only licences | 100.1 | 214.3 |
| Dual licences | 0 | 71.7 |
How much does a black cab driver make in London?
Average £42,706 per year.
Why are there so few black cabs in London?
A mixture of vehicles reaching their age limits and drivers cashing in on incentives offered by the Mayor of London saw thousands of roadworthy black cabs lost, never to return despite the shortage. In the two-year period analysed by TaxiPoint, 77% of the remaining TX2 black cabs were wiped out of London.
How much do black cab drivers earn UK?
Example taxi driver earnings
Aberdeen drivers can earn between £8-£11 per hour meaning an average take-home of between £950-£1,200 per month. London: Generous peak tariffs, increased demand, and a higher cost of living. All these factors mean that London drivers can earn on average 45% more than other UK drivers.
How hard is the black cab test?
The test requires a tremendous amount of knowledge as the would-be cabbies study not only the streets, their names, and what direction they run, but also landmarks, restaurants, pubs, shops, and even small statues that would be difficult to see while even walking.
Who owns black cabs in London?
Geely Automobile of China
The TX4 is a purpose-built taxicab (hackney carriage) manufactured by The London Taxi Company, a subsidiary of Geely Automobile of China.
How much do you tip a black cab in London?
10 to 15%
It is polite to tip 10 to 15% of the taxi fare for black cabs and licensed minicabs in London. However, most people simply round up the fare to the nearest £1 and tell the driver to “keep the change”.
How much does it cost to buy a London black cab?
How much does a black cab cost to buy? An iconic London taxi can be bought for anywhere between £1,000 to £20,000. The price will depend on a number of factors, including the black cab’s mileage, age, and engine capacity.
Do black cab drivers still do the Knowledge?
How do aspiring London taxi drivers pass “the Knowledge”? Nonetheless, they do it. It takes them about 3 years, but they manage it. They do much of their training on bicycles, I think, quicker than walking but gives them more chance to really learn London.
Can a black cab refuse?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do London taxi drivers make a lot of money?
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.
How long does it take to become a London black cab driver?
around three to four years
It takes most people around three to four years, although the more time you put in the quicker you’ll pass. Those who choose to study full time have been known to pass the Knowledge in two years. You can also fit it around work, study, or childcare and still pass.
What is the hardest driving test in the world?
The most difficult tests to pass
In China, the theory test contains 100 questions and requires you to memorise 1,000 in total. There are then two separate practical assessments, followed by a final theory test. New drivers in Croatia must attend 70-100 hours of mandatory driving school before attempting their test.
How hard is it to become a London taxi driver?
In fact, it takes most London taxi drivers between three and four years to eventually receive their green or yellow badge! Within the first six months of taking The Knowledge, you can book yourself in for an optional exam, based on the first 80 runs listed in the Blue Book.
Can you flag down a black cab in London?
Look for a black cab with its For Hire light on, flag it down and tell the driver where you would like to go. Having said that, given the traffic in central London you may find taxis to be budget-destroying, as the meter will continue to tick over as the car inches along on its way.
Are black cabs easy to get in London?
Getting a London black cab is extremely easy as there are thousands of them bustling around the city centre. You can choose to take one from the street as it passes by, walk to a designated taxi rank or call a local London taxi company.