If you are thinking of becoming a public hire taxi driver, there are several requirements you need including proof of being medically fit, good character without convictions, a clean DBS and taking the knowledge test for your town or city.
What do you need to be a black cab driver?
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying (although you cannot be licensed until you are 21 years old). There is no upper age limit, as long as you meet the other licensing requirements. You must hold a full DVLA, Northern Ireland, or other European Economic Area state driving licence.
How long does it take to become a black cab driver?
No official experience is required in order to become a London cab driver, but in practice countless hours scouting London streets in order to find the best routes is necessary. Passing the Knowledge generally takes between two and four years of learning and study.
How much does a black cab driver earn UK?
Average £48,382 per year.
How do I become a black cab driver UK?
Direct Application
You can apply directly to become a taxi driver if you’ve got a taxi driver’s licence. This is often a common way into this job. You’ll need to meet the registration and licensing requirements of the taxi company you’ll be working for and the local authority area where you’ll operate.
Can I drive a black cab with normal licence?
You don’t need a special license to drive a black cab unless you’re planning on becoming a cabbie. A standard driving license is all you need.
Do black cab drivers know every road?
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 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.
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 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.
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 taxi drivers pay tax?
The vast majority of taxi drivers are sole traders, which means they have to pay national insurance and income tax.
Do black cabs make money?
Most put in a 40- to 50-hour week and earn around £23,000 after expenses. It’s not a cheap business to run.
How much do taxi drivers make a week UK?
The average taxi driver salary in the United Kingdom is £34,331 per year or £17.61 per hour. Entry level positions start at £26,000 per year while most experienced workers make up to £46,952 per year.
How much is a taxi licence UK?
Taxis
| Licence type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Driver Licence (first application) three year licence | £254.00 (Made up of Non-refundable search fee £180 and Licence fee of £74). Online payment |
| Driver Licence (renewal) renewable 3 yearly | £254.00 (Made up of Non-refundable search fee £180 and Licence fee of £74). Online payment |
How much do London cabbies get paid?
Average £43,206 per year
Is this useful?
Can you drink alcohol in a black cab?
But for the passengers in the back it is not illegal for an adult to drink alcohol. That said, it is completely up to the taxi driver whether it’s acceptable to eat or drink in their cab. Drinking alcohol whilst moving from a to b in a taxi or private hire vehicle isn’t really accepted as normal practice.
Is Uber better than a black cab?
Their network has a number of cars, and if all of them are already in service, you might not even get a ride. In such a case, a taxi is a better option because Uber and its rival services depend upon surge pricing to boost their fares. Contrary to that, taxi prices remain the same despite high demand.
Do black cab drivers use GPS?
Thanks to sat navs, many of us can get around the capital with very little knowledge of the area. However, black cab drivers do not use sat navs and are held to very high standards to know their way around London. Before drivers can become licensed, they are put through a very difficult test called ‘The Knowledge’.
Can black cabs say no?
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 cabs work all night?
Re: How late do licensed black cabs run in central London? Cabs are ten a penny and run 24/7. 2.