What it takes to be a London cab driver?

What it takes to be a London cab driver? No official experience is required in order to become a London cab driver, but in practice countless hours scouting London streets in order to find the best routes is necessary. Passing the Knowledge generally takes between two and four years of learning and study.

Why do London taxi drivers have larger hippocampuses?

In other words, taxi drivers had plumper memory centers than their peers. It seemed that the longer someone had been driving a taxi, the larger his hippocampus, as though the brain expanded to accommodate the cognitive demands of navigating London's streets.

How long does it take to train to be a taxi driver in London?

It takes between two to four years to learn and pass the 'All London' Knowledge and this takes a considerable amount of commitment and dedication. Once you are licensed you can work anywhere in the Greater London area and the bene?ts of this are huge.

What do London cabbies have to learn?

A taxicab-driver must learn these routes, as well as the points of interest along and within 1/2 mile (0.80 km) of each end of those routes including streets, squares, clubs, hospitals, hotels, theatres, embassies, government and public buildings, railway stations, police stations, courts, diplomatic buildings, ...

How hard is the London taxi exam?

The Knowledge of London test is renowned around the world for being one of, if not the, hardest taxi knowledge test in existence. Often referred to as simply, 'The Knowledge' aspiring London cabbies can expect to spend around 3-4 years of study before being able to pass the test.

How many streets do London taxi drivers have to memorize?

And a cab driver in London is required to know the quickest way off by heart. That is because they know the center of the British capital; they'll have committed 320 runs across 25,000 streets, encompassing at least 20,000 landmarks, to memory.

What challenges did taxi driver face?

One of the most difficult aspects of driving is navigating through heavy traffic. Taxi drivers spend most of their time on the road, driving from one destination to another. This means that they have to face heavy traffic, rush hour, and other drivers who may not be as skilled.

Is it worth becoming a taxi driver UK?

According to the National Careers Service, an experienced taxi driver working around 40 hours a week might expect to make around £30,000 per year. As a one-person business, it's largely down to you. If you're prepared to put in the hours and work at anti-social times, your profits could soar.

Do taxi drivers keep the money they make?

But for the most part, a cab company owns the vehicle. They lease it to their drivers who in turn get to keep 100% of the fares and tips (some companies charge less for the lease, but retain a portion of the fares).

What makes a good taxi driver?

To become a Taxi Driver, you'll need: to be a confident driver who is able to drive well in any road and weather conditions. a helpful, trustworthy and patient manner.

How long does it take to become a Taxi Driver UK?

To become a taxi driver, it usually takes between 12 and 16 weeks if you apply directly to your local authority. If you decide to take a college course before applying for your taxi driver's licence, you're usually looking at a couple of days to complete a Level 2 NVQ.

Is it hard to become a taxi driver in the UK?

You need to able to work legally in the UK. You need to have held a full GB, NI or EU driving licence for at least 12 months. You need to be willing to have your background checked, which may include an enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

What are the disadvantages of being a taxi driver?

Research has shown that taxi drivers are at risk for numerous health concerns, such as low back and leg pain, linked to their highly sedentary occupation, long work hours and stressors related to the job (e.g. low income, safety threats).

Do Uber drivers make good money in London?

How much does a Driver make at Uber in London, England? Average Uber Driver yearly pay in London, England is approximately £24,327, which meets the national average.

Can you make a living as a taxi driver?

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for taxi drivers and chauffeurs in the US is $30,050. This works out at around $14.50 an hour. Taxi drivers earn much lower than the average salary in the US.

Why do taxi drivers prefer cash UK?

It's easier to handle and manage cash compared to other modes of payment. Cash payments are immediate and there is no need to wait for the payment to be processed. Some taxi drivers may prefer cash payments to avoid paying fees associated with card payments.