Just Knowledge
London’s iconic black cab. A world famous image associated
with not only our country’s capital, but the honesty and
security of those who drive them. With a comprehensive
knowledge of London’s streets and the ability to take
passengers via the shortest possible route, the reputation
of the black cab driver is unequalled. To master this skill
takes hard work and dedication. The course, known as ‘The
Knowledge’, should take between 2 ½ to 3 ½ years to
complete and can be done in conjunction with an existing job
or on a full time basis.
Certain criteria must be met before applicants can be
considered. Potential drivers must be 21 years of age
and hold a full UK drivers licence. Applicants can
choose between two levels of qualification. Passing on a
Yellow Badge allows a driver to work London’s outer
suburbs, where as a Green Badge allows a driver to
additionally work central London too. Of course the time
required to study is reflective of these two badge’s
relative areas. A Yellow Badge may be easier and faster to
complete but be careful, its limited working area may
restrict the potential earnings of a driver once qualified.
Once accepted, candidates begin studying the ‘Blue Book’
containing 320 different routes through London. Potential
drivers at this point are a familiar sight on London’s
streets as their motor scooters with a clip-board and map
are almost as common as the cabs themselves. Once the first
eighty routes have been learnt, a written test must be sat
at the Public Carriage Office or P.C.O. On passing,
the job of learning the remaining 240 routes begins. These
are tested by way of an interview with a P.C.O. officer and
will include hotels, stations, offices, landmarks and places
of interest.
Finally once this stage has been mastered, candidates must
begin the process of learning the suburban routes or
‘suburbs’. Following a taxi driving test, a written test
and a map test, they are awarded their Green Badge, having
learnt all the required areas in London.
As mentioned before this process takes time, dedication and
commitment. The rewards for a qualified London taxi driver
can be substantial but a significant amount of work is
required to reach this goal.
