Do London cab drivers still do the Knowledge?
As taxis can be hailed in the street and asked to go anywhere, taxi drivers must have a thorough knowledge of London. 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 much does a London cabbie earn?
Once qualified, cab drivers earn an average of $45,000 to $50,000 a year.
Do London cabbies earn good money?
Drivers who rent their cab rather than buy are paying anything between £180-£240 per week, depending on age and model of cab. This excludes fuel of course. As Elmar says in his answer, there is no accurate earnings figure.
How hard is the Knowledge test London?
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 does it cost to do the knowledge?
Q: How much does The Knowledge book cost? A: The Knowledge website is free to use for searching for crew, suppliers or services. A subscription to our production news service Production Intelligence costs £545 for 12 months access.
How much do black cabs make in London?
As London taxi 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 driver earns around £625 per week.
How much does a black taxi driver earn?
Do black cabs use sat navs?
Unlike minicab drivers, black cabbies are not allowed to use satnavs to find their way around. Instead, they must know their way through the sprawling metropolis of 9million people completely by memory.
How much can a PCO driver earn in London?
Car company Splend estimates that in London weekly earnings can range from £250-£800 depending on how many hours you work. It says monthly pay before expenses can be up to £2,400. Separate research suggests drivers in Birmingham earn around £36,400 a year, while drivers in Manchester can earn up to £39,600.
Why do taxi drivers have to know London’s Knowledge?
As taxis can be hailed in the street and asked to go anywhere, taxi drivers must have a thorough knowledge of London. This is why taxi drivers have to learn and pass the world-famous Knowledge. London’s taxi service is the best in the world, in part because our cab drivers know the quickest routes through London’s complicated road network.
What is the knowledge of London?
The Knowledge comprises 320 routes which stretch across London. These routes, know in the trade as ‘runs’ can be found in the ‘Guide to Learning The Knowledge of London’ (more commonly known as the ‘Blue Book’, even though for decades the cover has been pink), which is issued to anyone who wants to become a cab driver.
How long does it take to become a London cabbie?
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. Do you have the pride and passion it takes to become a London cabbie?
How hard is it to drive a black taxi in London?
DRIVERS of London’s famous black cabs have long been held to high standards. Those hoping to get behind the wheel of one of the most iconic taxis in the world have to pass a notoriously difficult test. 1