Fred Houesgo won mastermind in 1980. I guess learning the knowledge and spending hours talking and listening to people was the equivalent of a university degree.
It's a shame TfL has "concerns" about the POV videos as Tom was a really great ambassador for the Black Cab trade as a whole, young keen and enthusiastic about going to work everyday and showing that it's not always the most expensive way or luxury way to travel. As I was a pessimist about using Black Cabs as I think are a lot of people, hence the rise of UBER etc. But this young man gave a great insight and honest view of what he goes through and the expense and stress of being a Cabbie just starting in the trade, and all while still having a great outlook on life and the job. TfL I understand the "concerns", but if only Tom is shown and customers are kept anonymous I don't really see an issue, this is no different to a documentary of his life or diary if you will. You're a great ambassador for the trade, keep up the good work.
110% true. tom was bringing awareness to the industry with his videos and how uber/lyft were sometimes more expensive than a london cabbie, as cabbies have been losing market share. Maybe the problem for London cabbies stems from larger, organizational problems... like the TfL and their idiocracy
@@JonJon-dk3nh Are you being serious? If you havent got the brain power to press a button to put a tacho on break for 15/30 mins then your a complete and utter mongrel. I have class 1 and a green badge. The knowledge is 1000x harder than getting a hgv license, but a class 1 license can earn you 5k a month these days.
The word "test" is something of a misnomer, it is in fact a series of oral examinations. In my day (the early 70's) the examiners were usually ex police and very often detectives rather than uniformed. I did it full time and passed out in fifteen months, i'm not the fastest as before my time some got through in around one year. That time frame included answering on my suburban runs as well as the (in those days) police driving test but before driving on the public roads with another examiner in the back of the cab you would be manoeuvring the taxi by reversing around painted lines (as in reversing around a corner) and doing a three point turn (no u-turns) within those painted lines at the then Penton Street yard. If you went over the line that was as if you had mounted the pavement and that would have been a fail. Fortunately I passed first time on that, either way i'm now on the start of my 48th year.
Could you please do a video on the standards of driving needed to become a taxi driver and how they're tested? I feel so much safer in a taxi than in an Uber, also get no nausea in one either.
I think that it is good to have a standard like that for transport workers. It keeps it as a specialist role and it's a beacon of dignity and respect to the trade.
The knowledge is in dire straights , where 1000,s used to be on the Knowledge there are apparently now less than 400 and obviously not all of those will make it through and pass out. The worrying knock on from that will be that the Knowledge schools will close down , the older licensees retiring will outstrip new licensees and numbers of licensees will drop to dangerous levels that could threaten the survival of the current system.
So tilting that the POV aren't allowed anymore. Is there a way I can complain to TFL? I think if everyone makes it know their distain for what they have done.
I know someone who failed on a point that was literally some random alley yards from where they lived. He didn't get it, even though he knew it, because he was going on the basis it was miles from where he lived, assuming he wouldn't be tested on anything so close to his house.
Well done mate, its a process that I wouldn’t personally want to go through… A black cab taxi driver has an amazing ability at recalling the streets - all over London.
I personally like the fact that drivers go through something like this, as it's something that showcases adaptability as well as general knowledge they can pull from. It's something I use myself as a delivery driver. Sure, my route is a lot smaller, and I live in a city that's nowhere near as complicated as London (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada isn't exactly a maze - if we ignore Millwoods!), but being able to immediately plan a route in a few seconds as well as pull up what one knows about construction and/or things to watch out for in that area (like say, where police, fire, and ambulance stations are) makes driving less stressful, doubly so when the city does the typical "dig a hole in the middle of the road" projects (aka roadwork, replacement of curbs and driveways, sewage work, etc). Many of the drivers at the place I work at take it as a bit of a pride point that they're able to navigate most things without even pulling out a map, although since we're business to business deliveries residentials can wind up being tricky on a few of the routes (and that's where one goes "okay, time to look at a map just to double check")
Hello Mate, feel like you haven’t addressed the multiple concerns people had after you released the last video. Would be good to have some idea as to why TFL won’t allow you to do the POV videos?
Nice one Tom, I saw you out on the road last night, I did give you a toot but you was in the zone lol, you took me right back with this video, to this day I don't know how I got through the knowledge ! All the best mike
That Tommy lad is absolutely crazy!. Big respect to every person who done this i never knew it wouod be that hard. I did get taken around london on a pushbike/trike kind of thing Seemed like a legit thing going on they were pretty common (2019). I wonder if they have to take any test?
Great video Tom but I feel the Knolwedge has its days numbered as you well know Knolwedge students are at an all time low School are seeing a big drop in Knolwedge students that’s a knock on effect the hesitation rule totally stupid a student can get points deducted also the red line rule Lots of cab drivers have the attitude I done it this was so should you well that’s the problem if the Knolwedge dose get scrapped and a PH mini Knolwedge is brought in that that badge we have all worked hard for is not worth a toss
When my mate was doing the knowledge he explained to me even if you got all your routes right you’d still be called back. As he said….otherwise all the clever bastards will get the job.
Up here in Glasgow Tom, all you need to pass the knowledge test, is basic English ie is give me postcode , sat nav and pass mark of 55% because a lot of students have only a minimum grasp of the language!
Really interesting insight. Great video. Question: With advances in satnav navigation, what's the chance of the knowledge being dropped in favour of more mainstream taxi qualifications? e.g. General city knowledge + airports, busy hubs etc ? Most navigation software these days provide accurate London mapping with live traffic updates, traffic diversion, police stops etc. Is knowledge these days just a snobby way to keep the exclusive club 'exclusive' ?
Get in a black cab and an Uber/similar mincab with the driver not knowing the pay of the land in a city like London and you’ll see why the knowledge makes such a difference. London’s such a fast moving city but also a nightmare to drive in with road layouts, funny turning patterns etc it’s just not a good place to solely rely on a satnav. Satnavs aren’t made for inner city driving.
@@nnniiiaaallllll it’s also the size of some buildings / main train stations. Some cabbies will know which entrance is closer to your platform etc. No chance on a satnav
Yes, topographical knowledge too. There’s been plenty of times with a disabled or elderly passenger (I’d say daily actually), where the correct door and pavement is crucial to the journey. Relying upon the sat nav, you have no idea what the conditions are like. You have to see it an experience it.
It’s better to pay someone to do a job where they are an expert in that field. Any taxi driver that uses google maps (I use it as a traffic checker) will tell you how wrong it can be.
I've been to a few places in London where a sat nav doesn't work or misreports, they also don't react immediately to road closures (think a police officer putting their hand out as Tom mentioned) - having been someone that used to use other services when I visited London for fear of the meter prices, when a surge price and a long delay came through one day I hailed a taxi who managed to get me from near King's Cross to Mayfair on one of the busiest days of they year at a blistering pace while making me feel comfortable. I'm convinced that London cabbies are magicians as they're the only drivers that don't make me travelsick as a passenger
Loving the videos Maybe if you could share your appearances on the next video what you got asked where you went wrong did the examiner provoke you, When I was on the knowledge loved hearing peoples experience in the chair Be lucky
I agree with the majority on here that I'd never considered using black cabs until I started watching this channel. Always assumed they were overpriced or a rip off. TFL have really shot themselves in the foot by essentially censoring Tom's content. Such a shame.
Love that they have thia, which frustrates me even more than they allow uber drivers to operate who don't need to have this knowledge and just follow there phone .. they need to ban uber!!!
I’ll never shut down a conversation, even if I’m less enthusiastic I will let it roll, and I will generally feel in a lot better mood after that. It’s amazing how passengers can bring you up 👍🏻
@@TomtheTaxiDriver thanks Tom. Just wondered would it be easier if I was starting out to work as an Uber driver work out all the streets then go on to do the knowledge? Thanks
I disagree, it’s kinda inspired me to do this in a few years as part of my future more free life (controlling my hours etc) in an area that I’d love to live and work.
Who applies for this kinda jobs, the rewards are so little yet if you were to study lawyer then great but 5 years of near impossible studies just to drive a vehicle? Im sure you could put all that Brian power to better use. (Just my opinion not here to cause offence)
Not necessarily, there's many areas of law that aren't as lucrative as the work would make out. The difference here is that driving a taxi you get to choose your hours and have ultimate freedom.
Honestly..... This is the most redundant exam in the world. Why spend 3-5 yrs learning the knowledge?! Could have spent your time learning something more practical and transferable.
That’s why it’s a badge of honour, not anyone can do it. Ok, it’s not general knowledge, so I get your point, but that is the case for many people who are experts in their field.
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Fred Houesgo won mastermind in 1980. I guess learning the knowledge and spending hours talking and listening to people was the equivalent of a university degree.
It's a shame TfL has "concerns" about the POV videos as Tom was a really great ambassador for the Black Cab trade as a whole, young keen and enthusiastic about going to work everyday and showing that it's not always the most expensive way or luxury way to travel.
As I was a pessimist about using Black Cabs as I think are a lot of people, hence the rise of UBER etc.
But this young man gave a great insight and honest view of what he goes through and the expense and stress of being a Cabbie just starting in the trade, and all while still having a great outlook on life and the job.
TfL I understand the "concerns", but if only Tom is shown and customers are kept anonymous I don't really see an issue, this is no different to a documentary of his life or diary if you will.
You're a great ambassador for the trade, keep up the good work.
110% true. tom was bringing awareness to the industry with his videos and how uber/lyft were sometimes more expensive than a london cabbie, as cabbies have been losing market share. Maybe the problem for London cabbies stems from larger, organizational problems... like the TfL and their idiocracy
To be honest I don’t think I would ever pass something like that. To me, knowing all that in your head is an immense ability. Fair play to you Tom 🤙🏻
HGV driving hours are nearly as difficult lol
@@JonJon-dk3nh Are you being serious? If you havent got the brain power to press a button to put a tacho on break for 15/30 mins then your a complete and utter mongrel. I have class 1 and a green badge. The knowledge is 1000x harder than getting a hgv license, but a class 1 license can earn you 5k a month these days.
@@mattwilliam7696 You've got a blue badge you daft C!
@@mattwilliam7696 Hi dear I want to become a taxi driver ? Can you please help me? Is earning same as uber driver ?
And it's been proven their brains are actually changed physically
The word "test" is something of a misnomer, it is in fact a series of oral examinations. In my day (the early 70's) the examiners were usually ex police and very often detectives rather than uniformed. I did it full time and passed out in fifteen months, i'm not the fastest as before my time some got through in around one year. That time frame included answering on my suburban runs as well as the (in those days) police driving test but before driving on the public roads with another examiner in the back of the cab you would be manoeuvring the taxi by reversing around painted lines (as in reversing around a corner) and doing a three point turn (no u-turns) within those painted lines at the then Penton Street yard. If you went over the line that was as if you had mounted the pavement and that would have been a fail. Fortunately I passed first time on that, either way i'm now on the start of my 48th year.
Keep up the good work. I can tell your channel is going places👍 To the point, informative and interesting.
Literally the only UA-camr where I watch every video. Great work Tom
Got my badge this week 🙏
Well done 👍
Well done. Dont know how you guys do it but kudos anyway...
Congrats!
Congrats! See you out here soon ✊🏻👍🏻
Congrats.
Busy out there ATM as well 👍
Could you please do a video on the standards of driving needed to become a taxi driver and how they're tested? I feel so much safer in a taxi than in an Uber, also get no nausea in one either.
I think that it is good to have a standard like that for transport workers. It keeps it as a specialist role and it's a beacon of dignity and respect to the trade.
2:35 Mr Whitehead gave me my REQ, he's an utter gent. You never forget that moment when the hand comes across the desk to say "well done".
Gave me mine too. Gent.
The knowledge is in dire straights , where 1000,s used to be on the Knowledge there are apparently now less than 400 and obviously not all of those will make it through and pass out.
The worrying knock on from that will be that the Knowledge schools will close down , the older licensees retiring will outstrip new licensees and numbers of licensees will drop to dangerous levels that could threaten the survival of the current system.
So tilting that the POV aren't allowed anymore. Is there a way I can complain to TFL? I think if everyone makes it know their distain for what they have done.
Me too. I fancy writing to TfL
Good to see you back, uploading, more please.
I know someone who failed on a point that was literally some random alley yards from where they lived. He didn't get it, even though he knew it, because he was going on the basis it was miles from where he lived, assuming he wouldn't be tested on anything so close to his house.
Tom I always love watching your videos very educational experience and a new profound respect to proper taxi drivers.
Thanks want to see more.
Nice appearance card,you done it well,interesting videos, I'm on stage 5 1st app soon, can't wait to finish.
Well done mate, its a process that I wouldn’t personally want to go through…
A black cab taxi driver has an amazing ability at recalling the streets - all over London.
I personally like the fact that drivers go through something like this, as it's something that showcases adaptability as well as general knowledge they can pull from. It's something I use myself as a delivery driver. Sure, my route is a lot smaller, and I live in a city that's nowhere near as complicated as London (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada isn't exactly a maze - if we ignore Millwoods!), but being able to immediately plan a route in a few seconds as well as pull up what one knows about construction and/or things to watch out for in that area (like say, where police, fire, and ambulance stations are) makes driving less stressful, doubly so when the city does the typical "dig a hole in the middle of the road" projects (aka roadwork, replacement of curbs and driveways, sewage work, etc).
Many of the drivers at the place I work at take it as a bit of a pride point that they're able to navigate most things without even pulling out a map, although since we're business to business deliveries residentials can wind up being tricky on a few of the routes (and that's where one goes "okay, time to look at a map just to double check")
Love your 21’s scores mate 🤘🏼🎸
spelt AC/DC 🤣
Thanks
3:55 last stage has pretty mental grades :'D
Thanks! Mr Wilkin gave me that A 👍🏻
@@TomtheTaxiDriver 'cause you were TNT, you were dynamite :'D
Hello Mate, feel like you haven’t addressed the multiple concerns people had after you released the last video. Would be good to have some idea as to why TFL won’t allow you to do the POV videos?
Thanks Ryan, I will share more when I know more 😊
Good video Tom. Reading the comments, it’s not hard to spot the ones that couldn’t complete it. Lolz.
Nice one Tom, I saw you out on the road last night, I did give you a toot but you was in the zone lol, you took me right back with this video, to this day I don't know how I got through the knowledge ! All the best mike
Great video Tom. I remember that TV series about the Knowledge. Did you do your route learning on a scooter?
I did 50% car, 50% motorbike
And meanwhile, my city was insane enough to eliminate training for cab drivers to make them more competitive with Uber...
Still barely know the road names round my area! I can wiggle around but if you tell me a road name I’d be clueless.
Landmarks and stuff, easy! 🤣🤣
there's a pretty good film about it called "the knowledge" (1979)
Thank you for sharing.
Lovely scoring card sir Tom 👏🏻
Thank you Luca! Best score card is the one that gets you out in the cab! No matter how long it took, I was not gonna give up til I got that badge!
Can someone please explain how all these Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes have effected the knowledge and the runs within?
That Tommy lad is absolutely crazy!. Big respect to every person who done this i never knew it wouod be that hard. I did get taken around london on a pushbike/trike kind of thing Seemed like a legit thing going on they were pretty common (2019). I wonder if they have to take any test?
The rickshaws have no test, once out of the west end they frequently get lost and have asked me for directions a few times 😂
@@TomtheTaxiDriver oh i see 😂😂 thanks for the answer Tom
Great video Tom but I feel the Knolwedge has its days numbered as you well know Knolwedge students are at an all time low School are seeing a big drop in Knolwedge students that’s a knock on effect the hesitation rule totally stupid a student can get points deducted also the red line rule Lots of cab drivers have the attitude I done it this was so should you well that’s the problem if the Knolwedge dose get scrapped and a PH mini Knolwedge is brought in that that badge we have all worked hard for is not worth a toss
When my mate was doing the knowledge he explained to me even if you got all your routes right you’d still be called back. As he said….otherwise all the clever bastards will get the job.
Up here in Glasgow Tom, all you need to pass the knowledge test, is basic English ie is give me postcode , sat nav and pass mark of 55% because a lot of students have only a minimum grasp of the language!
My sense of direction has always been poor, to say the least. I honestly envy your ability.
Really interesting insight. Great video. Question: With advances in satnav navigation, what's the chance of the knowledge being dropped in favour of more mainstream taxi qualifications? e.g. General city knowledge + airports, busy hubs etc ? Most navigation software these days provide accurate London mapping with live traffic updates, traffic diversion, police stops etc. Is knowledge these days just a snobby way to keep the exclusive club 'exclusive' ?
Get in a black cab and an Uber/similar mincab with the driver not knowing the pay of the land in a city like London and you’ll see why the knowledge makes such a difference. London’s such a fast moving city but also a nightmare to drive in with road layouts, funny turning patterns etc it’s just not a good place to solely rely on a satnav. Satnavs aren’t made for inner city driving.
@@nnniiiaaallllll it’s also the size of some buildings / main train stations. Some cabbies will know which entrance is closer to your platform etc. No chance on a satnav
Yes, topographical knowledge too.
There’s been plenty of times with a disabled or elderly passenger (I’d say daily actually), where the correct door and pavement is crucial to the journey. Relying upon the sat nav, you have no idea what the conditions are like. You have to see it an experience it.
It’s better to pay someone to do a job where they are an expert in that field.
Any taxi driver that uses google maps (I use it as a traffic checker) will tell you how wrong it can be.
I've been to a few places in London where a sat nav doesn't work or misreports, they also don't react immediately to road closures (think a police officer putting their hand out as Tom mentioned) - having been someone that used to use other services when I visited London for fear of the meter prices, when a surge price and a long delay came through one day I hailed a taxi who managed to get me from near King's Cross to Mayfair on one of the busiest days of they year at a blistering pace while making me feel comfortable. I'm convinced that London cabbies are magicians as they're the only drivers that don't make me travelsick as a passenger
Loving the videos
Maybe if you could share your appearances on the next video what you got asked where you went wrong did the examiner provoke you,
When I was on the knowledge loved hearing peoples experience in the chair
Be lucky
I remember my first appearance with Mr Wilkins and after he destroyed me he said those words and it took me 4 and a half years to get my badge
I agree with the majority on here that I'd never considered using black cabs until I started watching this channel. Always assumed they were overpriced or a rip off. TFL have really shot themselves in the foot by essentially censoring Tom's content. Such a shame.
nice tattoo work
Go Tom 👍
Good man, Tom 🙂👍👏👏👏👏👏!!!!!
You got an A on an appearance 👍
Mr Wilkins! Absolute legend, I thought I blew that appearance too
i hated suburb runs done my head in soon as i got out i forgot em all wot a waste of time
Love that they have thia, which frustrates me even more than they allow uber drivers to operate who don't need to have this knowledge and just follow there phone .. they need to ban uber!!!
Here's one for you. How do you deal with chatty people if you are having a bad day or likewise if you want a chat but they are upity?
I’ll never shut down a conversation, even if I’m less enthusiastic I will let it roll, and I will generally feel in a lot better mood after that. It’s amazing how passengers can bring you up 👍🏻
@@TomtheTaxiDriver Awww that's great. Thanks for answering.
i woud never freking ever pass that test, because i hardly know the name off the streets ion mu home town 😅
How bad is the traffic in london and how do you work with it?
Hi Tom 👋 where I watch full taxi channel 4 documentary. I didnt find on UA-cam.
It's on channel 4, 4od 😊
Is it true that an uber driver with a sat nav needs no knowledge?
Yes, they have no knowledge .
I've forgotten skills I had through lack of repetition. How the hell can you be expected to remember each street years later ?
How many times did it take you to pass the Knowledge/
It’s a series of examinations. I had 13 in total. 2 fails which is a very good record 👍🏻
Are you exempt from school time road closures?
Nope 😞
Im jealous
Tom
So is it still 4 years?
Depends on your commitment. Some people are getting out in just over 2 years with a solid schedule
@@TomtheTaxiDriver thanks Tom. Just wondered would it be easier if I was starting out to work as an Uber driver work out all the streets then go on to do the knowledge? Thanks
They should bring the price of a cab down
100%
The Movie The Knowlegde from 1979 should deter anyone to take the knowlegde.
I disagree, it’s kinda inspired me to do this in a few years as part of my future more free life (controlling my hours etc) in an area that I’d love to live and work.
I feature some clips of it in a future upload. I loved it, inspired me even more to complete this impossible task 👍🏻
Taking the Knowlegde you have to be dead serious.
Who applies for this kinda jobs, the rewards are so little yet if you were to study lawyer then great but 5 years of near impossible studies just to drive a vehicle? Im sure you could put all that Brian power to better use.
(Just my opinion not here to cause offence)
Not necessarily, there's many areas of law that aren't as lucrative as the work would make out.
The difference here is that driving a taxi you get to choose your hours and have ultimate freedom.
It’s not that hard people, these drivers like to make everyone think it’s impossible. It’s really not
Like anything in life, it comes through consistency. Can you keep it up for 3 years?
Tom, why have you got shirt buttons on your ears?
Now then, you don't need to be asking overly personal questions. Hold out your hand!
Goldman Sachs own Uber ,...Uber run TFL ..
That's an absolutely ridiculous exam to take to drive a cab. Times have changed. So should that.
Hardly, there’s no better education in my mind!
Allot of passengers like the idea, they think; he’s gone to those lengths to drive a taxi, that’s fanatically cool!
@@daviddavis7665 Most dont give a shit. lets be honest
U MUST BE AN UBER DRIVER
Why is this still a thing when Google Maps exist?
Honestly..... This is the most redundant exam in the world.
Why spend 3-5 yrs learning the knowledge?!
Could have spent your time learning something more practical and transferable.
That’s why it’s a badge of honour, not anyone can do it. Ok, it’s not general knowledge, so I get your point, but that is the case for many people who are experts in their field.
It's especially redundant now in these days of satellite navigation systems.
that Yfood shits not helping your face acne bruv