Will TfL’s changes to the Knowledge of London test be enough to boost numbers?
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The number of black cab drivers continues to fall, with recruitment failing to replace those leaving the industry. Despite a slight increase in Knowledge of London (KoL) applicants, the numbers remain well below what is needed to maintain driver levels, let alone grow them.
As of 2 February 2025, the number of licensed taxi drivers in London had dropped to 16,847— this included a decrease of 26 in just one week.
Licensed taxis also declined to 14,501, with only six new vehicle licences granted. Five years ago, there were 23,159 licensed drivers. The downward trend has been clear for some time and there’s now a feeling of real urgency to get something in place to stem the decline.
In response, Transport for London (TfL) has introduced a significant change to the Knowledge. From 10 February 2025, candidates will be tested on a set list of 6,000 locations, rather than being asked about any location within London. The hope is that this will speed up the process while maintaining the high standards required to become a licensed taxi driver.
The KoL remains one of the toughest taxi qualification tests in the world. Drivers must memorise major landmarks, transport hubs, hospitals, and key drop-off points across London. The revised list will be updated every three months, ensuring candidates focus on relevant locations.
But will this change be enough to encourage more people to apply?
The adjustment may offer more structure, but it does not alter the fundamental challenge of the Knowledge… the perception of the job as taxi driver. Learning London’s streets in such detail still requires years of dedication, and fewer people understand just what the benefits are both financially and as a lifestyle. If someone even slightly interested in driving a black taxi as a living is unaware of the earning potential, why would they take the risk when they could simply become a private hire driver in no time?
If the goal is to increase driver numbers, more targeted measures are needed. Improved promotion of the profession and a clear plan detailing what the role of a taxi driver will look like over the next decade at least. Are local authorities going to keep taking away road space? Are taxis a key part of ground surface mobility on par with buses or will they be treated more like private cars? If London wants a thriving taxi service it’s time to be proud of it and outwardly talk positively about it.
A more structured Knowledge test is a step in the right direction. But is it enough to reverse the decline in applicants? On its own, probably not.
