The Knowledge of London taxi knowledge test is one of the toughest tests for taxi drivers in the world.It consists of 7 stages, including a self-assessment, a written exam, 3 oral exams, and a series of talks to test your knowledge of London.You can apply for a license, learn the routes of London, and pass the taxi knowledge test if you work hard.
Step 1: It takes 3-6 years to master the Knowledge of London.
In order to be a taxi driver in London, you need to know the routes, landmarks, and destinations.Learning these can take 3 years or more due to the amount of knowledge required.As long as you are able to devote time to studying for the knowledge exam, you can still hold a part time or full time job.
Step 2: Which license is right for you?
All London is green and Suburban is yellow.You can work anywhere in the Greater London Authority area with the green badges.You can only work in one of the 9 sectors in the suburbs of London with the yellow Badge.If you think you'll be working in downtown London, you can get both types of licenses.They require different knowledge of routes, but you can make money and work whenever you want.You can choose which license you want to apply for.If you are more familiar with the city, you can get the green badges.You can get a yellow Badge if you know the suburbs better.
Step 3: You can register on the Transport for London website.
Provide them with your basic information in order to start your application.You can make an account if you are at least 18 years of age, have a driver's license from Northern Ireland or the European Economic Area, and can work in the UK.You will need to pass an enhanced background check to prove that you are good character and have not been convicted of a serious crime in the past.You will be disqualified if you have had a violent crime conviction.If there have been no penalties within the last 12 months and no more than 1 instance of the offence in the past 5 years, you may qualify.
Step 4: To get a Blue Book, you have to submit the necessary paperwork.
You will need to get a medical check after you create your account.Before you can receive your Knowledge of London Blue Book, you have to meet with a doctor and have them conduct a thorough medical check.There are some conditions that may prevent you from becoming a taxi driver.After all of your information is received, you should receive your Blue Book in the mail.
Step 5: Attend a talk about London.
An examiner at a Transport for London office will give tips on how to learn the Knowledge of London.They will give a broad overview of what to expect from the process.The talk usually lasts for about an hour, and you are able to ask any questions you have about taking the exam or specific content in the Blue Book.There are certain dates throughout the year where the talks are scheduled in advance.Each Transport for London office usually has at least 1 talk per month.
Step 6: There is a study to be done.
The Annex B of the Blue Book has a list of routes that are in the vicinity of Charing Cross.It is possible to use flash cards, break the information into smaller parts, or watch videos about the different routes.Depending on which sector you are planning to work in, the number of routes will vary, but they can be found in Annex B.
Step 7: If you are a visual learner, consider using a scooter.
Many future taxi drivers use a scooter to quickly navigate their routes.This will make you familiar with London's terrain and give you a better idea of the traffic patterns in the city.If you aren't licensed to ride a scooter, you can use a bike.Plan your routes to make sure they are bike-friendly.When riding a scooter or bike in London, be careful.Remember to pay attention to the roads and traffic as you learn the landmarks.
Step 8: If you want to learn better, enroll in a Knowledge School.
When the information is taught in a traditional classroom, some people find it easier to understand.Many independent schools in London charge a fee for classes that review the Blue Book to prepare drivers for the appearance stage of the exam.The classes are not sponsored or regulated by Transport for London, so they may teach information that is not relevant to the exam.Before committing to a program, you should research the schools and read reviews from attendees.Most schools charge based on the number of hours in class.Depending on how often you attend, classes can last anywhere from a few weeks to months.You will have to pay a per class fee if you want to attend a class.
Step 9: You can take the self-assessment on the first 80 routes.
After 6 months of studying the Blue Book, you can sign up for a self-assessment at a local office.It covers the first 80 routes.An examiner will help you understand the answers and answer questions.There is no fee for the self-assessment.Take advantage of the chance to measure the effectiveness of your studying techniques because your score on this exam isn't recorded.Don't be afraid to ask the examiner if the answer you are getting is confusing.They will be able to help you study for your exam.
Step 10: You have 2 years to sit for the written exam after receiving your Blue Book.
After you pass the self-assessment, you can sign up for the written exam at Transport for London.The first section consists of 5 questions that test your knowledge of the shortest route between 2 points, and the second section contains 25 questions about different points on the routes.You need a score of 60 out of 100 to pass.You have to pay a fee for each exam.You will have to pay a fee again if you don't pass the test the first time.Depending on your score and how many times you have attempted the exam, you will have to wait a period of time between tests.
Step 11: You can test your knowledge of routes by attending 3 appearances with an examiner.
There are oral exams with an examiner from the Transport for London office.Questions about routes, landmarks, and named buildings will be asked by the examiner.It takes about 30 minutes to test your ability to remember information.The examiner will assign a score out of 10 points to each question on a 4-tiered scale.You need to score at least 12 points to get to the next stage.There is a fee for the appearances.You will work with the examiner to schedule your meetings at a time that works for you.You can redo the appearance if you don't pass an appearance.You will have to take the written exam again if you don't pass the second try.
Step 12: To prove knowledge of the suburbs, take the Suburban Examination.
The routes and landmarks in the suburbs are covered in this oral examination.You have to navigate between central London, the suburbs, and the airports in the area.The 6 questions are graded the same way as appearances.If you get a yellow Badge, they will test your knowledge of central London landmarks, hospitals, and other major destinations as they relate to your sector.The Suburban Examination is covered by the appearance fee.You can take the Suburban Examination again if you don't pass.
Step 13: When it's available, take the taxi driving test.
You will have to show your ability to drive a taxi once you complete appearances.All drivers who pass the written exam will have to take a driving test once the arrangements for the test are finalized.The test used to be an hour long with questions about Highway codes and road signs.The driving test is being worked on by the Transport for London office.In the past, it was possible to take the driving test again.
Step 14: You need to attend the pre-licensing talk to get your badges.
You will have to attend a talk by an examiner after you have passed all of the exams.They will give guidance on life as a taxi driver in London when they review Knowledge of London.You can get your license and badges at the end of the ceremony.Make friends at the talk by asking questions.Most of the people there will be doing the same job as you, so it's a great opportunity to make connections to advance your professional careerYou will not be able to receive your license and badges if you don't attend the talk.