IS IT STILL WORTH IT? London taxi driver and YouTuber asks the age old question around being a cabbie
- Perry Richardson
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 2
Tom Hutley, a London taxi driver and popular YouTube influencer, takes a deep dive into the realities of the trade in his latest video. He addresses the question many prospective drivers ask: if given the choice again, would he still become a cabbie?
His answer is yes—but not without some significant caveats.
Hutley breaks his analysis into two halves, looking at both the drawbacks and benefits of being a London taxi driver in today’s climate.
The main challenge he highlights is location. Driving a black cab means being tied to London, which can be a costly and inconvenient reality. Some cabbies live two hours outside the capital and work long shifts to avoid daily commuting. Others choose to live in London, paying higher housing costs but saving on travel time. Either way, the job demands a firm commitment to the city.
There’s also the challenge of dealing with Transport for London (TfL), which Hutley suggests does little to support drivers. He recounts his own experience receiving a warning about his fitness to hold a licence and notes how easily cabbies can lose their right to work. He argues that despite investing heavily in their taxis, drivers cannot use financial hardship as a mitigating factor in licensing decisions. This in itself leads to huge risk placed on not only the driver, but his or her family.
Another issue is job security. Unlike other professions where skills are transferable, London taxi driving is highly specialised. Losing a licence leaves few alternative career paths, making the job a long-term commitment with limited flexibility.
Hutley also raises concerns about earnings. While taxi drivers can make a living, he points out that adjusted for inflation, drivers in the 1990s likely earned more than they do today.
Yet, despite these difficulties, Hutley remains positive about the trade. The biggest advantage, he says, is the flexibility. He values the ability to choose his working hours, avoiding the rigid schedules and office politics of traditional employment. Whether it’s taking time off at short notice or structuring work around personal commitments, taxi driving offers a degree of freedom that few jobs can match.
He also finds fulfilment in the independence of the role. There’s no boss dictating shifts or performance targets. Drivers control their own workload, making it an attractive option for those who prefer self-employment.
For those considering the profession, Hutley advises that it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires discipline, self-motivation and a strong work ethic. Those who struggle to push themselves to work may find it a stressful career. However, for individuals who prefer independence, dislike corporate environments and are willing to put in steady effort, it can be a rewarding path.
Ultimately, like any profession out there, the trade isn’t perfect, but for the right person, it still offers a viable and fulfilling career.
