Knowledge of London taxi test overhauled as TfL releases new 6,000 points list applicants must learn
London’s aspiring taxi drivers face a significant change in the Knowledge of London (KoL) test as Transport for London (TfL) introduces a revised list of 6,000 locations that must be memorised and recalled in examinations. The update, which according to the document took effect from 10 February 2025, means candidates will only be asked about locations included on the official list.
The KoL, widely regarded as one of the most challenging taxi qualification tests in the world, requires drivers to navigate London’s streets with an unrivalled level of detail. The updated list includes key landmarks such as theatres, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and major roads, ensuring that cabbies maintain a comprehensive understanding of the city’s layout.
Knowledge students will need to be familiar with precise pick-up and drop-off points, including taxi ranks, station entrances, and A&E access routes at hospitals. For locations with multiple entry points, such as theatres and transport hubs, examiners may request specific drop-off areas that drivers must know in advance.
To keep pace with changes across London, the list will be updated every three months, with new editions released in February, May, August, and November. Any new locations added will be highlighted for one edition, giving candidates a month to learn them before they become part of the testing process. If a location is mistakenly included in an examination but does not appear on the list, candidates will have five working days to report the error.
Candidates will still be required to study the 320 routes outlined in the ‘Guide to Learning the Knowledge of London – All London Driver’s Edition’, more commonly known as the ‘Blue Book’. The expectation remains that these routes should be learned alongside the locations on the new list.
TfL has reiterated that while digital tools, books, and maps can assist in studying, there is no substitute for physically visiting each location. First-hand knowledge of road layouts, access points, and local restrictions is seen as essential for providing a gold standard taxi service.
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