TfL sees growth in applications for world-famous Knowledge of London during its 160th anniversary year

Transport for London (TfL) is celebrating the 160th anniversary of the Knowledge of London, the world-renowned test of geographical mastery required to become a licensed London taxi driver. Since its introduction in 1865, the Knowledge has stood as a symbol of dedication, expertise and service to Londoners.  

TfL has seen a significant rise in applications, with numbers increasing from 440 in 2022 to 742 to the end of November 2025 – a 68.6 per cent increase, on track to be the highest number in a decade. This growth reflects renewed interest in the profession and follows recent Knowledge process updates aimed at making it more accessible and appealing to a wider range of people. The changes also enable dedicated applicants to progress by reducing the time between examinations called 'appearances'.      

Earlier this year, TfL set out a new plan to enable the capital’s taxi trade and private hire industry to meet the challenges of the next five years. The new Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan outlines 14 measures designed to support services, drive positive change across the industry and ensure it continues to deliver excellent service for Londoners.     

The Knowledge has continually evolved to stay relevant in a city that is constantly changing, and the new measures form part of the commitments outlined in TfL’s Action Plan. Although the process looks very different from how it did 160 years ago, it continues to ensure that drivers are fully equipped to help Londoners travel across the city every day, and TfL remains committed to keeping the Knowledge relevant for the future.  

The average time required to complete the Knowledge test has fallen significantly, dropping from 5.25 years in 2020 to 3 years in 2025. This reduction reflects the impact of measures set out in TfL’s Action Plan, which have streamlined the process while maintaining its rigorous standards. Shorter completion times not only make the profession more accessible to new entrants but also help ensure that London’s taxi trade can continue to attract and retain talent in a competitive transport market. They also highlight the dedication and hard work of applicants, whose commitment remains central to the lasting reputation of the Knowledge.      

As of November 2025, there are 1,390 candidates actively undertaking the Knowledge, demonstrating both the prestige of the qualification and the growing appeal of a career in the capital’s taxi industry. This increase in participation highlights the effectiveness of TfL’s strategy and signals a strong pipeline of future drivers ready to serve Londoners in the years ahead. London’s licensed taxi services play an essential role in London’s green and sustainable transport network – providing a vital, accessible service for Londoners and visitors alike, particularly for passengers that cannot travel on public transport.  

The origins of London’s taxi system stretch back to 1865, though its exact beginnings remain uncertain. Some historians believe it was inspired by the Great Exhibition of 1851 at the Crystal Palace, when visitors complained about hackney carriage drivers’ poor grasp of the capital’s streets. Out of this concern grew the famous Knowledge test. During the process, learners are referred to as 'knowledge boys' or 'knowledge girls' and spend months riding across London, memorising hundreds of routes. Research by University College London even found that licensed taxi drivers developed a larger hippocampus - the part of the brain responsible for converting short-term memories into long-term ones - as a result of mastering such a complex navigation system.      

The Knowledge continues to prove itself as one of the most accessible qualifications in the country. Remarkably, the youngest and oldest applicants achieved success in the same year: 72 year old Peter Laszlo from Fulham, who proudly earned his badge after mastering London’s routes on his bicycle, and 20 year old Connor Dill from Bromley, the youngest applicant to pass this year, who is awaiting his 21st birthday before officially qualifying. Connor also documents his journey on Instagram at @ConnorTheCabDriver, providing valuable insight into the dedication required to reach this milestone. These achievements highlight the inclusivity of the system, which welcomes candidates of all ages, backgrounds, and educational experiences.  

Helen Chapman, Director of Licensing and Regulation at TfL, said: “The Knowledge of London is the most respected taxi driver qualifications in the world, and we are proud to see a renewed interest in this London icon during its 160th anniversary year. The recent increase in applications reflects the enduring prestige of becoming a licensed London taxi driver. This is a fascinating, varied career where, as your own boss, you choose where and when to work.”  

Matt Brosnan, Head Curator at London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, said: “Taxi drivers trained in the Knowledge is one of the internationally renowned elements of London’s identity. The vehicles they have driven – represented in the London Transport Museum collection – have changed from horse-drawn to electrically-powered motor vehicles. But their knowledge of London’s complex network of streets, based on years of training, has remained a constant. In an age when most people carry smartphones with satellite enabled digital maps in their pockets, it is still reassuring to see a black cab driven by someone that knows London like the back of their hand.” 

Katie Chennells, Knowledge of London Manager, said: “We are committed to supporting all applicants through the process and ensuring that the Knowledge continues to uphold the highest standards of service, safety and professionalism for Londoners and visitors alike. Now in its 160th year, London’s cab drivers continue to embody the spirit of the Knowledge, delivering a service that is trusted, expertly informed, and accessible to all who travel through the capital.”