In total, as of August 2021, there are around 900 aspiring drivers in various stages of their testing journey.
Do London cabbies still do the knowledge?
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 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.
How many London cabbies are there?
The latter is considered far more difficult. 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.
How long does the black cab Knowledge take?
The Knowledge was introduced as a requirement for taxi drivers in 1865. Mastering the Knowledge typically takes students three to four years; it’s a challenge, but plenty of help and support is available if you are determined. As a taxi driver, you can choose when and where you work and how much you earn.
How much does a London cabbie earn?
Average £42,706 per year.
How long does it take to learn 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.
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.
How hard is it to become a London taxi driver?
You’ll need to pass the necessary tests in order to receive your taxi driver licence. In most cases, you have to: Hold a full UK or EU driving licence, for a minimum of 12 months (or three years if you want to work in London) Meet the background and medical checks.
What do black cab drivers do with lost property?
Most cabbies will head to the TfL Lost Property offices to hand in items as soon as it’s possible. Sometimes the item might not be found immediately, especially if it’s a dark late night or you were the final fare for the cabbie who now isn’t working for a few days!
Can you get 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.
What color are most London taxi?
black
While black is the most common colour for London taxis, it’s not required to be so. They can be blue, yellow, green, red, whatever. Most tend to be black because of its recognition.
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.
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.
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 much do black cabs earn?
What is the salary of a London Black Cab driver? 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 much is a London bus driver paid?
Average £10.56 per hour.
Can you buy a London taxi?
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.
Do you tip black cabs in London?
Tipping taxi drivers
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”.
Can you drive a black cab without the knowledge?
In order to have the right to drive the iconic London cabs candidates have to pass through the world-renowned Knowledge of London Test. The Knowledge was introduced as a requirement for taxi drivers in 1865 and mastering the test typically takes students three to four years.
Can I be a taxi driver with 6 points?
If you’ve qualified to drive in the last two years the rules are tougher, and you’ll lose your licence with six points or more. But those rules are not always the same for all taxi drivers.