Learn the Knowledge of London

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.

Licensing requirements changed on 1 July 2024 

Find information and guidance in our notice on the new requirements (PDF 196KB).

The 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. There are thousands of streets and landmarks within a 6 mile radius of Charing Cross. 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.

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?

Our Knowledge of London prospectus tells you how you can become a London taxi driver.

Learning the Knowledge

There are two different types of London taxi drivers:

  • All London (green badge) - Drivers can ply for hire anywhere in the Greater London Authority area
  • Suburban (yellow badge) - Drivers can ply for hire in one of the nine sectors in the suburbs of the Greater London Authority area

Whichever licence you choose to apply for, you will have to accumulate an encyclopedic knowledge of the streets and places of interest in that area. This will prove you can navigate your way around the capital.

To become a London taxi driver you need to send us an application. Find out about applying for a taxi driver licence.

Following satisfactory character and medical checks, you will be sent a Knowledge of London introductory pack.

In this pack you will be given:

  • A copy of the guide to learning the Knowledge of London (the Blue Book)
  • A booklet of advice on how to learn the Knowledge and how you will be assessed

The Blue Book lists 320 routes (known as "runs") within the six mile radius of Charing Cross. You will need to learn these routes, plus all the roads and landmarks within a quarter mile radius of the start and end points of each route.

Knowledge of London Initial talk

You will be invited to attend an initial talk with other successful candidates. Here you will receive advice from a Knowledge of London examiner about the different stages of the Knowledge and the best way to approach your studies.

The Knowledge is done in seven stages, which are outlined here.

Stage 1: Self assessment

To check you're on the right track, within six months of starting you can take the self-assessment, which is based on the first 80 runs in the Blue Book. Taking the self-assessment is compulsory and no record of the result is made.

Stage 2: Written examination

When you are ready, you will sit the written examination. You will be tested on your knowledge of the Blue Book runs (five questions) and the major landmarks ("points") along the way (25 questions). This is a multiple choice test and the pass mark is 60%. This test must be undertaken within two years of being sent your introductory pack.

Stages 3-5: Appearances

You will then attend a series of one-to-one oral "appearances" with an examiner. Each appearance usually consists of four questions about the shortest route between any two points in London. An appearance takes about 20 minutes, and you'll get a score from A-D.

Depending on your score you will accumulate points; when you have enough you will progress to the next stage, when appearances will become more frequent. However, if you get too many Ds, you may be put back to a previous stage.

At Stage 3, appearances are about 56 days apart, at Stage 4 they are about 28 days apart, and at Stage 5 they are about 21 days apart. On average you will have to score on four appearances to accumulate enough points to progress to the next stage.

Please note: From Monday 18 November 2024, Knowledge of London verbal assessments (appearances) are being audio recorded on Microsoft Teams. This is currently a pilot with the intention to roll out the new process to audio record all appearances by January 2025.  

Appearances are being audio recorded for monitoring, training and auditing purposes. We will also refer to recordings when investigating any appeals or complaints. We will retain audio recordings for 3 months. This period for which the audio recordings are retained is considered reasonable to enable us to undertake our statutory and regulatory licensing functions.

For further information on how we process your personal information, please refer to www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/privacy-and-cookies/taxi-and-private-hire.  

Stage 6: Suburban examination

You will need to demonstrate a good working knowledge of London's suburbs by learning an additional 25 routes.

Stage 7: Licence application and pre-licensing talk

Well done! You can make the final application for the issue of your licence. You will then join a group of other successful candidates to receive advice about your responsibilities as a taxi driver from a Knowledge of London examiner. You will also be given your badge and licence at the talk.

Download a detailed description of the Knowledge test.

Using a scooter

Most people who apply to become a licensed taxi driver and take the Knowledge of London exam use a moped/scooter to help learn the runs.

For information about riding a moped/scooter or bike safely visit GOV.UK or THINK!.

Knowledge schools 

You may want to consider attending one of several Knowledge schools to help you study for appearances. These are independent schools that are not controlled or regulated by Transport for London.

E4 Knowledge School 

Open: Fridays 14:00 - 17:00 (contact: Tom Quigley)
Email:  e4kol@aol.co.uk
Address: Nuffield Gym, New Road Chingford, E4 9EY

Knowledge Companion

Email: admin@knowledgecompanion.co.uk
Website: www.knowledgecompanion.co.uk 
Phone: 07915 231 669

Knowledge Point School

Open: Monday to Friday 10:00 - 17:00
Email: admin@taxitradepromotions.co.uk
Website: www.taxitradepromotions.co.uk
Phone: 020 7387 8658
Address: Knowledge Point School, 94-95 Troutbeck, Robert Street, London, NW1 4EJ

The London Knowledge School

Open: Monday to Friday 08:00 to 20:00 with extended hours Tuesday to Thursday until 22:00
Email: info@thelondonknowledgeschool.co.uk
Website: www.thelondonknowledgeschool.co.uk
Phone: 01375 371 247
Address: Lawrence Trading Estate, Askew Farm Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 5XE

The Taxi Academy

Email: Info@thetaxi-academy
Website: https://thetaxi.academy/
Phone: 07393 533 331
Address: Gett offices, Angel Gate, 326 City Road, London, EC1V 2PT

WizAnn

Open: Reception is open Monday to Thursday 10:30 -14.00
Email: wizann@wizann.co.uk
Website: www.wizann.co.uk
Phone: 07740 753 488 / 020 3289 9114
Address: Unit 2a, 16 Blount Street, London, E14 7BZ

Contact the Knowledge department

If you have any special needs or learning difficulties such as dyslexia please contact the Knowledge department to ensure that you receive reasonable adjustments at your appearances. You will be required to send proof to ensure appropriate adjustments are made.

If at any time during the examination process you have a complaint or a query you should contact us. All complaints and appeals are treated in confidence and will not have any adverse effect on your progress through the examination system.

While studying the Knowledge you are obliged to notify us of any changes in your status, such as the following:

  • Change of name and address
  • Any cautions, convictions or charges
  • Further information such as Driving Standards Agency Certificate

How to contact us: