TfL offers free Santander Cycles annual passes to Knowledge of London taxi candidates
- Perry Richardson
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
Transport for London (TfL) is offering free annual Santander Cycles memberships to candidates studying for the Knowledge of London, in a move aimed at providing an additional and lower-cost way to learn the capital’s streets.
Under the scheme, Knowledge candidates can apply for a special promotional code that provides a 100% discount on the cost of a Santander Cycles annual pass, which would normally cost £120. The offer allows eligible candidates to make unlimited 60-minute rides for a year, provided bicycles are returned to a docking station within the allotted time.
The initiative gives prospective London taxi drivers another option for completing the extensive street-learning process required to qualify for a black cab licence. Candidates have traditionally relied on scooters, motorcycles, bicycles and other methods to navigate and memorise London’s road network and key points of interest.
TfL said the offer is intended to provide a healthier, more flexible and affordable way to study London’s streets. The transport authority acknowledged that cycling may not be suitable for every journey or preferred by every candidate, but said the scheme could complement existing study methods.
Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new initiative giving Knowledge of London candidates free access to Santander Cycles, potentially reducing training costs for future black cab drivers.
Candidates wishing to participate must first create an account on the Santander Cycles app before applying the promotional code supplied by TfL. Once activated, members can continue travelling across London by repeatedly docking and unlocking bicycles, avoiding additional charges as long as individual journeys remain within 60 minutes.
The arrangement also extends to the scheme’s fleet of around 2,000 electric bicycles. However, TfL confirmed that each 60-minute ride on an e-bike will still incur a £1 charge, despite the free annual membership.
The move comes at a time when the London taxi trade continues to face concerns over declining driver numbers and the lengthy, often costly process of completing the Knowledge. Industry stakeholders have increasingly discussed measures that could help attract new entrants and reduce barriers to qualification.
Knowledge candidates can request the promotional code directly from TfL by email, providing their full name and Knowledge reference number. Those unable to locate their reference number are asked to provide their name and postcode when making their request.
David Eddington, Head of Cycle Hire at TfL, said: "Becoming a licensed London taxi driver requires an incredible level of dedication and commitment, and we want to make that journey as accessible as possible. By offering free access to Santander Cycles, we’re giving Knowledge students a flexible, affordable way to get out on the road and build the real-world experience they need.
"This initiative not only helps reduce the costs associated with training but also supports candidates in navigating London more efficiently as they learn the capital’s roads. We’re seeing growing interest in the Knowledge, and by making it easier and more affordable to get out on the road, we want to encourage even more people to take the first step towards becoming a licensed taxi driver."
Steve McNamara, General Secretary at The Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, said: "This is a fantastic initiative that will be welcomed by everyone in the Knowledge community. The process of learning every street, building, restaurant, club, pub, theatre, hospital and place of public interest is arduous, costly and very time consuming, this scheme will enable students to get around quickly, easily and for free at various times in their journey to becoming a London Cabbie."
Peter Laszlo, Black Cab driver who passed The Knowledge last year: "I began my study for The Knowledge using Santander Cycles to complete my first 80 runs so this is a fantastic new benefit. Cycling offers clear advantages, it allows access to routes restricted to taxis, and the flexibility to push through temporary road closures. It also makes ‘pointing’ easier, as the bike can be taken onto the pavement. On top of that, it’s a great way to stay fit while learning the Knowledge."
