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.
How do black cab drivers learn the knowledge?
Black cabbies must study some 320 routes and 25,000 streets and get to know them all by heart. They also memorise roughly 20,000 landmarks and places of public interest, from tourist destinations to museums, parks, churches, theatres and schools.
What 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 to become a black taxi driver in London?
London Public Hire (Black Cab)
- You must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying (although you cannot be licensed until you are 21 years old).
- You must hold a full DVLA, Northern Ireland, or other European Economic Area state driving licence.
- You must have the right to live and work in the UK.
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.
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 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.
What is the hardest driving skill to learn?
Changing & Merging Lanes:
It can be difficult for new drivers to judge the time and distance optimal for changing and merging lanes. The process of slowing down the vehicle, turning on your blinker and guessing whether the driver behind you will allow you enter the lane or not can be overwhelming.
Do London cabbies earn good 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 hard is the London taxi test?
The Knowledge of London test is renowned around the world for being one of, if not the, hardest taxi knowledge test in existence. Often referred to as simply, ‘The Knowledge’ aspiring London cabbies can expect to spend around 3-4 years of study before being able to pass the test.
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. To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories.
How much does a black cab driver earn London?
Average £44,785 per year
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How old can a black taxi be?
Taxi Vehicle Age Limits
Between 1 November 2020 and 1 November 2022 the age limit of Euro 3, 4 and 5 diesel taxis was reduced by one year, each year. The age limit for Zero emission capable (ZEC taxis), Euro 6 vehicles and taxis new converted to run on Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) remains at 15 years.
Is it hard to become a taxi driver in London?
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.
How long does it take to do the London Knowledge?
three to four years
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.
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.
Can you drive a black cab as a normal car?
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 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?
When does the law permit a taxi driver to 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 black taxis have cameras?
Cameras in black cabs and minicabs can record video and sound inside the vehicle. The cameras are used to keep passengers and drivers safe.
Why do London taxi drivers memorize all the streets of London?
In London, the taxi drivers used to learn where every street was before they could be licensed.