Can you flag a black cab in London?

All other taxis are classed as Private Hire vehicles and must be pre-booed, either by phone or app. “Black” cabs (not all are actually painted black) can be flagged down as they have a Hackney Carriage licence. Mini cabs, taxis from outside London or Ubers cannot be flagged down on the street.



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There are two kinds of taxis in the U.K. - taxis that you flag down (Hackney carriages), and taxis that you book in advance (private hire) - and that includes Uber. You are not allowed to flag down a private hire vehicle.

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Can you flag down a black cab? You can flag down a Hackney carriage (black and white taxi) but not a private hire vehicle, those must be pre-booked.

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The rule derives its name from the tradition by which a hackney carriage driver at the head of a queue of taxicabs is obliged to take the first passenger requesting a ride.

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Tipping taxi drivers It is polite to tip 10 to 15% of the taxi fare for black cabs and licensed minicabs in London. However, most people simply round up the fare to the nearest £1 and tell the driver to keep the change.

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You can flag them down in the street Stand in a suitable place beside the road and put your hand out. Look for the orange taxi sign above the windscreen, the taxi is only available if this sign is lit up.

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To be a London black cab driver, is one expected to know over 25,000 roads and 50,000 points of interest and pass a test called The Knowledge? Black refers to the color of the vehicle. No, that is not correct. You do have to pass “The Knowledge” but your figures are way off.

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There's no need to shout “taxi” and indeed, it's actually illegal to shout “taxi” whilst trying to hail a cab.

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Look for the light – if the roof light on top of the cab is lit, the taxi is available for service. Raise your arm to “flag” the cab, and do your best to make eye contact with the driver. Be prepared to let the driver know where you're headed.

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Tipping is appreciated but not always appropriate in London. There are some situations where it is customary, for example in restaurants.

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Unlike some countries you do not have to tip in the UK. However, there are some unsaid social rules about leaving a tip. For example, if you take a taxi it is normal practice to round up the fare to the nearest pound.

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As a rule, yes, the Black Taxis will charge more since they are licensed to pick up fares, the drivers are vetted and the taxis have to be clean and in good road condition. Are the Black Taxis in London more expensive than other cabs? London taxi fares are regulated by Tfl — check their website for details.

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Between 1 November 2021 and 31 October 2022, vehicles that are older than 12 years will be ineligible for licensing. Transport for London's (TfL) latest figures, from 31 August 2021, show that 1,228 vehicles will be over 12 years of age and will not be eligible for licensing from 1 November 2021.

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