How long does it take to become a black cab? (2024)

How long does it take to become a black cab?

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.

How long does it take to become 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 do black cabs make?

How much money does a London black cab driver make? Most put in a 40- to 50-hour week and earn around £23,000 after expenses. It's not a cheap business to run. A new vehicle costs £28,000, insurance £1,600 a year, garage fees another £1,300 and then there are repairs on top of that.

How do you get a black cab in London?

How do black cab drivers learn the Knowledge?

It turns out that to become a Black Cab driver in London applicants need to study for two to four years and during that time memorize an incredible 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks within a 25-mile radius of Charing Cross in London.

Do black cab drivers earn a lot?

The income of a London black cab driver can vary depending on factors such as the number of hours worked, the areas they serve, and the demand for their services. On average, a black cab driver in London can make anywhere from £25,000 to £45,000 per year.

What is the black cab rule?

The cab rank rule is a bedrock obligation for the independent referral Bar. The rule means that barristers cannot discriminate between clients, and that they must take on any case provided that it is within their competence and they are available and appropriately remunerated.

How do you get into a black cab?

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.

How old can a black cab be?

Between 1 November 2021 and 31 October 2022, vehicles that are older than 12 years will be ineligible for licensing. Transport for London's (TfL) latest figures, from 31 August 2021, show that 1,228 vehicles will be over 12 years of age and will not be eligible for licensing from 1 November 2021.

Are black cabs self-employed?

Whether you are working in a black cab or for a private taxi firm, the vast majority of taxi drivers are self-employed.

Do black cab drivers still do the Knowledge?

'Knowledge of London' Definitive Guide – How to be a London cabbie in only three years! Every licensed London taxi driver has completed the Knowledge of London, a topographical test-of-endurance like no other. Nothing else like the Knowledge of London exists anywhere else in the world.

Can a black cab 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 you tip black cab drivers 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".

Why is it so hard to become a Taxi Driver in London?

The test is considered one of the most difficult and rigorous for drivers in the world, and requires candidates to have an in-depth knowledge of around 15,000 streets and 10,000 plus points of interest throughout London. The test consists of two parts: the written test and the oral exam.

What is the black cab test?

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 do you stop a black cab?

Hailing a cab

One difference, perhaps, is that a black cab, whether you've hailed it or not, will only stop if the 'taxi' sign above its windscreen is on (that's to say, it's lit up in yellow light).

Can you make a living as a taxi driver?

Taxi drivers provide a necessary local transport service for most towns and cities. This type of professional driving can provide a flexible and profitable career as there is sustained demand for minicabs as a convenience or alternative to car ownership.

Do cab drivers prefer cash?

Cash payments are still the most common mode of paying in the taxi industry. There are several reasons why taxi drivers prefer cash payments. It's easier to handle and manage cash compared to other modes of payment.

How many does a black cab take?

Talk to the driver at the front window and explain where you need to get to, then jump in the back. Black cabs can carry five passengers: three on the back seat and two on the fold-down seats that face opposite. If you have a lot of luggage, ask the driver to put your bags in the space at the front next to him.

Are black cabs safer?

Black cabs (the classic vehicle you may think of when you think of a London taxi) are very safe. The vehicles operate under the rules set by the Public Carriage Office, a part of Transport for London - see more info at www.tfl.gov.uk.

Do black cabs allow dogs?

Black cab

Similar to Uber, Bolt and Lyft, most black cab drivers will accept travel with a dog. You can use Gett, the black cab app, to request a ride and leave a note that you're travelling with a pet. You will then have to wait and see which driver will accept the ride.

Why is it called black cab?

Black cabs. Though there has never been law requiring London's taxis to be black, they were, since the end of the Second World War, sold in a standard colour of black. This, in the 1970s gave rise within the minicab trade to the nickname 'black cab' and it has become common currency.

How much do cab drivers make?

Do black cabs still take cash?

Yes, you can hail a London black taxi in the street and pay the driver in cash at the end of your journey. Most cabs also accept credit and debit cards now.

Do black cabs work at night?

Cabs are ten a penny and run 24/7. Some black cabs will be on the move throughout the night.