Want to be a London Cabbie? - Here's How! (FULL GUIDE)
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- Опубліковано 8 чер 2024
- My complete guide to understanding the full process of becoming a London cabbie!
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WHO AM I:
I’m Tom, a London Taxi driver of 6 years. I also have a keen passion for all things London whether that’s; history, geography or a good spot for coffee!
WHY DO I MAKE VIDEOS?:
To PROMOTE and PROTECT The Knowledge of London
And to PRESERVE the high standards of London Taxi Drivers
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Getting Started
03:00 - Scooter
04:00 - Green or Yellow Badge?
05:15 - Applying
06:19 - Intro Talk
07:36 - Blue Books
10:55 - Pointing
14:22 - Self Assessment
16:53 - Ideal Schedule
19:35 - Point to Point (P2P)
26:02 - Map Test (Stage 2)
28:04 - Appearances (Stage 3, 4, 5)
35:03 - Daily Schedule
36:52 - Suburbs (Stage 6)
38:35 - Badge Day (Stage 7)
39:17 - How Long Does It Take?
43:50 - Now Is The Best Time - Розваги
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Thanks!
I've no interest in becoming a cabbie but I'd be very interested in seeing the even more in-depth video.
@@jaseface6868 what are you talking about? Read the comment again. I am interested in the content, just not in becoming a cabbie. And besides, comments help the content maker. It helps with engagement and bumps the video up the algorithm. I love Tom, he makes great videos. That's why I'm commenting.
@@jaseface6868 maybe you didn't watch till the end where Tom asked if people were keen on seeing an even more in-depth video on the process. My comment was in response to that.
I would say the same. I live in a different country and I know I would never be able to be a London cabbie as another EU member citizen (thank you Brexit), but I feel like I'm fascinated by this process, and try to apply some notions and ideas on my city, that are definetivelly useful on my daily drives across that city
This is about as in depth as it gets lol
Same here, I just watched a 46 minute video of an application process of a job in a Country that i don´t live in. And it was joyous!
Well done Tom very well made, well articulated and covers a hell of a lot
Great video! I remember my days as a knowledge boy. It took me 4 and a half years to pass . I god redlined on 28, it was very upsetting. I flew through 21 though without any fails. I did not have a call over partner and did not go to any knowledge school, although I picked up the runs from WizAnn(very helpful). Since then I've never regretted the decision to become a London Cabbie. The best job in the world(probably).
Thanks tom for the informative vid. Your a credit to the trade because of you i was at manor house station last xmas eve. Map test next week 🙏
The Knowledge is a great challenge and will bring the best out of you and improve you in many ways.
It seems like if you struggled and hated the Knowledge process, that follows you into the cab. Enjoy it, well, in a relevant kind of way.
The job is not for everyone.
Research if possible shift/driving hours. Have you worked nights before? Are you healthy? Are you good at sleeping after getting home at 4/5am? Keep an eye on the traffic when you are whooshing through on the bike getting points, that will be you bumber to bumber when you're out!
I feel the notions of driving a London taxi and only working minimal shifts/days are still in every knowledge boys dreams from some Golden taxi days!
As you know, running costs of a taxi can amout to a couple of days earnings, in busy periods, Research this also.
You don't want to live in your cab as life and family passes by!
You can definitely make it work. Be organised and have a routine to working times.
Just my opinion of course.
People learn by making mistakes, as I have and continue to do so😂
Very useful video Tom.
This brings back memories of my journey,Tom. But unfortunately it took me 5 years 8 months. 4 red lines 2 map tests 2 finals. I had a bad accident on my first motorbike, which was a huge setback. It took a year to recover from it, so i just revised what i did until I could get back on my bike again, always playing catchup due to life's challenges. In my time, you had to do a driving test too. They stopped that for a few years. I'm not sure if that part is coming back?
Great content as usual. Now, with the freedom I have with the job, it's the best thing I've done. No regets, even though it was a tough journey for me.
This will be so helpful to anyone looking to go through the process. Well done, Tom.
That was spot on Tom ..
Exactly what new students need.
Great video tom, im studying the knowledge learning the 4th book. Doing the runs first then points after. This video has great information and will help me with my studies in ideas on way to go around it 👍
Thanks Tom for promoting the knowledge through this video!!
Fantastic video. So much good information Tom.
You should be very proud of yourself. 🙂
Thankyou for mentioning the Yellow Badge , I agree if starting the knowledge do the Green Badge , however i must say my yellow badge has served me well, and i am happy with it . Be Lucky
I wonder how far we are from being able to use VR to learn the knowledge. Be cheaper and more efficient than cars and scooters etc
Fantastic video Tom, really appreciate all the time and effort you put into not only making the videos but the time taken editing
too.
I’d really like to to see the in-depth one (s) also
I used to be one of the “enemy”( minicab) and find all your videos really interesting
Great Video Tom.
Brilliant video Tom! Very well explained and love the way you've broken everything down! You actually make it feel a bit less daunting for someone who tries to look to far ahead! Only niggle, the map test is called the written test now. Probably because like you said, there's no map involved lol! But appreciate you taking so much time and effort for such a good video! Hopefully encourages more to take it up 👍
Great stuff as usual Tom, would love a video on a breakdown of the jargon for Taxi drivers and the knowledge.
Tom - thanks, great informative video!
Always informative man love it. If I was in London and I was in a more chill stage of life who knows I would think about it. It's nice to get to know the area that way, I always admire your knowledge on that part. For now I'm in Greece need to focus how to get over there 😜
Loved the video tom, i would love you to go even deeper in to the process, im on the fence because of finding the time with a very young family
Cheers Tom in 146 runs in as off today and enjoing it. The process is a slow burner im just waiting for a lot of it to click.
It will mate. Just persist. It’ll all make sense. Be lucky
Very informative cheers Tom
A great amount of detail of the entire process - thank you, Tom! I would love to see more aspects covered in greater detail, particularly keeping each driver's Knowledge 'live'. How many cabbies continue to call their eighty daily runs and clock new points?
Great video and you made it very interesting thank you 👍
As an infojunkie, love all the knowledge you share. Living in Wycombe, I used to often spend whole days walking London streets so have a broad view. Sadly, mobility issues now limit my travels. (used to think taxis were only for rich people)
I’ve been thinking about becoming a cabbie this is helpful
Got some extra love for the London Cabbies after watching your vids man thanks. I was astounded by the 102 quid I paid going from Heathrow to my Hotel the one looking at Big Ben. But I had just had a hellish flight, I was tired, hungry all kinds of unhappy however despite the price I felt well looked after by that Cabbie. And I might have fallen asleep for half the journey after my flight so no real indicator of how long it took. I do remember something about 'that roads closed so this is this best way'.
Tom, this is lovely. Thank you for this in such great detail. Keep doing it. Keep well! Where do these 320 runs in the blue books originate from? Why are they as they are? What criteria lead to each start/end point to be chosen?
Really fascinating your vids. Love visiting London. Huge amounts of dedication to achieve the goal. Now....about that Stanford map behind you. Where can I get one? Cheers!
Hi Tom. Thanks for the video. I would very much be a passenger (I can't drive lol). I was born and raised in London but haven't lived there for over 30 years. However I love all your videos and this one was especially interesting. It's been great seeing what it takes to evonne a proper London cabbie and I would certainly be interested in seeing you go into in more depth.
I quite enjoy my job as an Uber driver in San Antonio. We don't have anything like The Knowledge but I am learning my way around SA. I've mostly got the freeways and the main cuts (like 151 or 90 between 1604 and 410). I learn as I go, and after doing this for a few months I can get to most of the popular destinations without GPS: Mariott Riverwalk and Grand Hyatt, Alamodome, Tower of the Americas, Northstar Mall, Airport, JW Mariott, Six Flags Fiesta.
Hospital to hospital would be huge. My company also do medical equipment or blood/tissue sample transfer that are paid into business accounts or taxi vouchers by the hospital. Those runs won't have passengers in it, but you may have to go so far as taking the item to a particular point within the hospital.
Hi Tom, you are a real inspiration and a wealth of knowledge. Could you possibly do a video or direct me to one on the cost of owning/leasing/hiring a LEVC? Thank you in advance.
Hey Tom I'm new to the channel and subscribed:)
Can you recommend a video editing program? Preferably that you would use if you do it yourself?
Second question is if you wanted to get an editor for you, and wanted to post 30-45 minute videos ready for UA-cam, how much would you be looking at paying an editor? Any info Soo helpful
Thanks very much and keep it up!
Good video maybe you should do a video of the first run and how it is called. Since it will have changed from the days of 1979 The Knowledge film. They went in depth on the first Run Manor House Station to Gibson Square. I bet the Thames Water Authority Stoke Newington pumping station may not be there now. 🙂
It is it climbing centre
I've always wanted to and I would be more than up for studying the knowledge but sadly young me was an idiot and I have fraud and theft convictions that haunt me 15 years later.
I'd look into that, I believe there is a cut off point for when they can consider certain things. Not saying 100% you'll be accepted but don't assume you'll be rejected
12:01 I do the second method even though I don't drive due to shops being renovated and constant roadworks forcing detours.
Big respect 30years ago got the Mo ped the runs and all the rest but it wasn’t for me nearly froze to death in the snow on the bike just wondering did you use word association when doing the runs and points
So wish I had technology when I did it in 94.
Just been sitting with Bob McCulloch from Edinburgh for a cup of tea and he’s showing me a photo of you with him and the sheep at the bridge. Bob helps me at the Edinburgh Taxi Academy Knowledge school.
He says hello…
Top bloke! Was great to meet him on the sheep drive!
I'm still learning from him... great for a tea and a chat... best regards, Alistair
Are you going through the practical next steps? What/ Hodvdo you go on after badge day? Picking up a cab? …
hi Tom, do you not have to do a driving test anymore?
Where is it possible to buy or download or borrow the Blue Book? Just to try and challenge myself before applying?
Obviously growing up with local knowledge will help. But how many get into the job after moving to London from other parts of the UK?
Great video. What's the average age of those passing the Knowledge and becoming a cabbie?
Learning the wizann way; does anyone know is it important to learn the link runs? And if so, is it best to learnt the links straight away?
What happpened to the practical driving test for taxis? Did they scrap that?
Thanks tom i am doing the blue book now. Do i also need to memorize the links and the reverse 🥰
I didn’t. That will all come in time naturally when you obsess over P2P
I was going to ask you on one of your foodie vids: how many restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, etc are points of interest?
Everything can be considered as a poi
Hi Tom,
I really appreciate your videos
Could you please advise me on any courses in London .
Thanks in advance.
What kinda of course?
Tom I see your not doing bookings on your website, I try every time when in London to find you.
That’s correct. I’m not taking bookings at this time
Does Google streetview help? Is it used anywhere in the process?
Hi Tom keep it up you are doing a great job and having fun making some brilliant videos superstar Ali Walsall west midlands england junction 10 m6 Walsall churckery
Does SatNav make a difference these days, or not?
Hey Tom, if you wanted to without breaking the law, can you use the taxi for personal use such as travelling with your family or no
Yes, my taxi is my own personal vehicle.
Are green/yellow badge drivers allowed to do jobs in each other's areas? E.g. a green badge driver getting a job from Central London to a yellow badge area, then pick up a passenger immediately from that area back into Central London, and vice versa
Green can work anywhere within tfl area. Yellow can work their sector only. If yellow drops out of their sector they must go back to their sector for more work
I got red lined twice.took me 5 and a half years to pass.
Yeaaaaaa🎉🎉🎉🎉
Realistically is it still worth doing now
My application has been in since may and they haven't decided wether i can start 😞
Contact one of the Taxi organisations - LTDA, LCDC or UCG. They will chase up your application on your behalf.
Submitted my application 19 September and still waiting for a response
Hopefully you're all still doing your runs, providing you don't have any past criminal history or medical history which may prevent you in being licensed?
very interesting Tom ill stick to be retired.
Sounds like you've got a headstart
You say you get a taxi straight away do u need to pay for them if you rent is there a deposit is all the paperwork done before you start
No deposit when renting a cab, the rental will hold onto your taxi bill as deposit
I’m 17 and I want to become a black cab driver. What would be the best way to get the badge as soon as possible?
Can apply when you are 18. Can complete The Knowledge anytime after that. But you can only receive your badge and start working from age 21
Hi Tom I’m considering applying as black cabbie but I have 6 points on my driving license already before applying. Will I still be able to apply?
This is all as far as I understand. I would recommend asking the LTDA (licensed taxi drivers association) they used to offer free membership for knowledge students and they will be able to give you definitive answer here 👍🏻
My interpretation is…
whilst studying, it shouldn’t matter and you will be able to apply (I think). You have to keep them updated if you accrue more. And depending on what the 6 points were for will determine if you have can drive a taxi when you get your badge (unless they have gone from your licence)
For example. 3-6 points for driving without due care and attention/considration for other road users is deemed serious and can give you a temporary ban (3 points) or 5 years (6 points) if you are already a taxi driver.
If you had 3 points for speeding followed by another 3 points for speeding, this should not matter 👍🏻
@@TomtheTaxiDriver I got 6 points for having the phone in my hand about a year ago. A cyclist recorded it and sent to police. The points expire in 2 years I think. Would I still be able to apply in this case ?
Hey Tom, great vid as usual. I really enjoyed doing the Knowledge, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Just one thing, don’t you have to do the driving test anymore? Oh, I knocked it out in 2 yrs 1 month in 1999. 😊
Tom do they still take a Driving test at the end
No. TfL put it on hold. Technically as part of my licence, they are able to call me up at anytime for me to take mine (it was scrapped when I was on The Knowledge). Despite being a cabbie for 6 years 😂
@@TomtheTaxiDriver many thanks be Lucky watched your video and their was no mention of the test best wishes Len
In the driving instructor industry, instructors train other instructors on a one-to-one basis. It seems you might be missing an opportunity, to actually become a mentor and make money from guiding wannabee cabbies through the knowledge with in-car training.
We also often do "sit-ins" where a trainee sits in on a lesson as an observer, with the learner's permission. That's probably not possible for cab work, but perhaps TFL should think about it as a training method: after all, they should be encouraging the best of the best.
Does your appearance in appearances matter in any way? Why the forced suit etc?
It does , if you don't turn up in the required attire you won't be seen
You didn’t mention a driving test is that not required now before passing out ?
TfL are still awaiting a provider/providing it in-house. My bill has a condition that I can be recalled at any time to take a driving test.
TfL also get a hard time from PH unions who don’t want the driving test as it’s a hurdle for their drivers they could do without. So currently all up in the air.
I would have thought someone’s ability to drive a cab competently and correctly is just as important as their knowledge of London, as you know it’s totally different to driving a car, my knowledge school kept emphasising that passenger safety and comfort was as important as taking the shortest route.
Sounds like TFL cutting corners to save money.
@@keith3390The major difference over a car would be the turning circle so yes makes you right
How are you meant to earn a living whilst training? I'm sure I just heard Tom say he was out learning on his bike 3 days a week!
Some ppl work full time and do the knowledge part time, or vice versa
Is this just London cabbies or is it anywhere within the uk?
Just London mate. Nowhere else in the world does the knowledge like London taxi drivers
Some local authorities make you do a knowledge test to be a Hackney driver but nothing like the London knowledge.
Great video mate. Pls pop down to my pub bridge house Little Venice - I know you’ve been past 😃. Nice vegan burger for ya pal
Or sign up with Uber and buy a sat nav.?
And be a slave on £10 per hour great
Can't use bus lanes / bus gates , taxi ranks . Are liable to congestion charge and ulez. Uber and other firms take 30% cut off every job you do , on an already low fare . If you're happy with that then crack on .
Oh and any little complaint you get wether it's true or false you will get deactivated on the Uber app.
Just, dont get caught on your phone or good bye license
NO NO NO ! Don’t try to skive off the cold and wet by doing it in a car ! You can’t ever be a real cab driver unless you spend at least three freezing winters on your moped. Sliding on your face down an ice covered hill at midnight with sparks from your bike following you down and threatening to ignite the leaking fuel is how the soul of a cabbie is tempered. Trying to make notes on a freezing, soggy notepad with agonised frost bitten fingers is mandatory. There’s no Temperament Test nowadays so some real pain is needed to weed out the ‘Fair Weather Knowledge Boys’, or they’ll become snowflakes and ‘Fair Weather Cab Drivers’. Since the introduction of power steering back in the early ‘80s, plus a working heater, electric windows and air con (you’ve already got free air con - open the bleedin’ window) we’re breeding generations of softies.
In passing, the Blue book has never been blue-it was pink when I started the knowledge in the mid ‘70s. The 1930-50s comedian Max Miller used to ask his audience (including The Queen) if they wanted the white book with the clean jokes or the blue book- the filthy ones. Our Blue Book is the filthy one.
not worth all the hassle just get a pco licence
Aren't black cabbies shitting it because of uber???
10-11 years since they’ve come to London and their prices are pretty similar to taxis in town… I’m not scared…
@@TomtheTaxiDriver But UBER's ,who have sat navs, and can also come to your specific point via an sms, will render the knowledge test, and by extension black cabbies, unnecessary within a few years at the most.
Uber aren't the biggest problem, black cab biggest problem now is road access and vehicle fleets beginning to fall
Only worth it if you can make genuine living out it. And living in London. Sounds doubtful
A lot of cabbies live outside London now and commute in , just like many other commuters I suppose
For one most taxi driver in London are Indians so you need to start there
What's that mean?
..and for two? I don't have time to learn Indian! I'm nearly 42 years of age
@@MrJohnQCitizen dam right you can't even see a English speaking doctor anymore it's dinga dinga bs
@@user-jn6dy4uu4nwonder where all the English speaking doctors have gone 🤔