Information on becoming a black cab driver

How to become Explore the different ways to get into this role. How to become a taxi driver You can get into this job through: a college course applying directly College You may be able to do a college course, which could give you an advantage when looking for work. Registration you'll need a taxi driver's licence from your local council's licensing unit or Transport for London TfL , if you want to work in London.

Further information You can get more details about working as a taxi driver from the National Private Hire Association. What it takes Skills and knowledge You'll need: customer service skills excellent verbal communication skills active listening skills the ability to work well with others patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure knowledge of public safety and security to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.

You'll need to: complete a driving skills assessment have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 12 months, or 3 years if working in London pass background checks pass a medical check be over 18 but over 21 in some areas, including London pass a local geography test, known as 'The Knowledge' if working in London if you work in London, you'll need to meet the English language requirement If you're a private hire driver, you'll need hire or reward insurance.

What you'll do Day-to-day tasks In this job, you will: take job details over the radio, by phone, on the in-car computer or via an app help to load and unload passengers' luggage help passengers to get in and out of the vehicle if required take payments for fares or log them online keep your vehicle clean and in a roadworthy condition make sure accounts and records are up to date. You could work from a vehicle. Your working environment may be you'll travel often.

Career path and progression Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities. Career path and progression If you're employed by a larger taxi firm, you could become a supervisor or manager in the dispatch control room.

Current opportunities Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you. Current opportunities Apprenticeships In England. We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a taxi driver right now. Courses In England. Are you interested in becoming a taxi driver? Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available. Not what you're looking for? Search further careers Enter a job title. Related careers Community transport driver Delivery van driver Bus or coach driver Driving instructor Chauffeur.

Skills assessment Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you. Speak to an adviser Call or use webchat 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday. Is this page useful?

Those hoping to get behind the wheel of one of the most iconic taxis in the world have to pass a notoriously difficult test.

But what exactly is the cabbie exam known as The Knowledge and why is it so hard? The Knowledge is a series of tests which must be passed by all black cab drivers before they can get a licence to work in the capital.

They also memorise roughly 20, landmarks and places of public interest, from tourist destinations to museums, parks, churches, theatres and schools.

The process typically takes between two and four years to complete and has been described as like having an atlas of London implanted into your brain.

Black cabbie hopefuls must then pass a written test and a series of oral exams before they can get their licence. Instead, they must know their way through the sprawling metropolis of 9million people completely by memory. The time and dedication needed to achieve this has made many black taxi drivers angry with what they see as a lack of regulation for their competitors.