How to become a black cab driver in the UK
To become a black cab driver you’ll need to pass the initial assessments, meet the character requirements, and ace the epic seven-stage Knowledge Test.
London black cab drivers are a UK legacy. We’ll explore the various stages of becoming a hackney carriage cabbie in SimplyQuote’s latest guide.
Step #1: Understand the role of a black cab driver
Before becoming a black cab driver, you must understand the role. You must be aware of the processes and responsibilities involved before, during, and after application.
Apart from the official documented requirements for eligibility, cab drivers should meet certain character requirements to execute this role successfully.
A black cab taxi driver must:
- Have good communication skills
- Have basic numeracy skills
- Have an excellent memory
- Be congenial and have people skills
- Be willing to work long hours
- Have patience
- Have good time management skills
Bonus reads:
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Get QuotesStep #2: Check the eligibility requirements
Applicants must meet the following basic criteria when applying to become a London cab driver:
- Be at least 21 years old to be a licensed taxi driver
- Hold a full Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) licence (England and Wales) or Northern Ireland or European Economic Area driving licence
- Be allowed to legally work and live in the UK
- Meet the character requirements
- Meet the medical requirements
- Pass an enhanced disclosure and barring services (DBS) check
Step #3: Apply for a taxi driver’s licence
Before taking any skills and assessment tests, you must apply and be approved for a taxi driver’s licence.
Applications to become a licensed taxi driver in London can be done online.
To apply:
- Register on the Transport for London (TfL) website.
- Be sure that you meet all the eligibility requirements.
- Input your details.
- Include a photo.
- Pay £120 (non-refundable) for the cost of the application.
Alternatively, you can email Transport for London (at tphlicensing@tfl.gov.uk) to ask for an application pack.
When applying for your black cab licence, you can get an all-London licence (green badge) or a suburban licence (yellow badge). Your choice of licence will determine where you may operate and the type of Knowledge Test you must complete.
Step #4: Take the knowledge test
Once your taxi licence has been approved, you can take the renowned Knowledge Test. London cab drivers must be able to navigate the intricate city streets efficiently.
Within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross, there are thousands of notable landmarks and streets. If you want to drive a black London cab, you must memorise all of them.
There are two types of London black cab drivers:
- All London – can pick up passengers anywhere in the Greater London Authority area (GLA) and are issued a green badge.
- Suburban – can only pick up passengers in one of the nine sectors within the GLA area and are issued with a yellow badge.
Since this test is notoriously difficult, many schools aid potential black cab drivers in passing the test.
Once you have completed your studies, The Knowledge Test takes place in seven stages and can take two to three years to complete. Knowledge students can only progress to the next stage once they have accumulated a certain number of points. Students can also be pushed back a stage if they have been graded with too many low scores.
Step #5: Undergo a medical examination
A taxi driver must undergo and pass a medical examination in compliance with the standards outlined in the DVLA’s Assessing Fitness to Drive: A Guide for Medical Professionals.
This test must be carried out by a registered health professional who has access to all of the applicant’s medical records.
Step #6: Pass a disclosure and barring service check
All applicants are required to pass an enhanced DBS check during the application process. This determines whether the applicant has a criminal record.
To carry out this check, all potential taxi drivers must register and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Once a licence has been obtained, drivers must maintain their subscription for as long as they are licensed taxi drivers.
Bonus read: Are Taxi Driver’s DBS Checked In The UK?
Step # 7: Complete an HMRC tax check
Licences cannot be issued without a valid tax check code from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Guidance on this procedure can be found on the UK government’s official website under Complete a tax check for a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence. The issued tax check code is only valid for 120 days and applications with expired codes will not be processed.
Step #8: Do a practical driving assessment
Due to the intricacies of driving a London black taxi, specialised training should be done prior to taking the practical test. The test not only assesses your taxi driving skills but also ensures that you are familiar with the vehicle.
Step #9: Acquire a classic black cab
In some areas, you may be able to lease a vehicle. On the other hand, buying a black cab could cost upwards of £45,000.
In London, black cabs must meet the emissions standards for taxis. As a result, a hybrid or electric vehicle must be used in this industry which can cost up to £65,000.
Bonus read: What Expenses Can A Taxi Driver Claim?
Step #10: Get all the necessary insurance
Once you are a licensed taxi driver with an iconic black cab, you’ll need the insurance to go with it. All taxi drivers are legally required to have specialised taxi insurance. Comprehensive black cab insurance or public hire insurance is essential for running your business. It is also worth considering additional cover, such as public liability insurance.
Step #11: Receive your badge and official licence
Finally, TfL will issue you with your taxi driver’s badge and licence. They will also give you a vehicle licence, provided that it has met the safety, accessibility and emissions standards. Lastly, they’ll check the vehicle’s mechanics and meter accuracy.
Final thoughts
Now that you are officially a London taxi driver, it’s important to remain compliant and up-to-date with all your licences and permits.
Becoming a black cab driver is no easy feat. With so many considerations, at least you never have to worry about finding the best taxi insurance with SimplyQuote in the driver’s seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the TfL’s official website, it costs between £1,089.15 and £1,153.49 to become a London cab driver. This includes fees for applications, assessments, checks, and medical assessments. The cost of the vehicle is not included.
Bonus read: How Much Does It Cost To Become A Taxi Driver
According to Glassdoor, a taxi driver’s salary averages around £36,677 per year. This salary amount will depend on your area of operation, hours worked, and taxi fares.
Yes, these cabs do not have strict limitations when it comes to the passengers. If you have a black cab, you may accept pre-booked rides and operate as a private hire driver.