The London black cab has featured in hundreds if not thousands of films and TV shows, such as Doctor Who, James Bond and even Sherlock Holmes. For more than a century, generations of these taxis have hit the streets of London – and generated a number of questions, from tourists and locals alike.

The London "Black Cab" (or Hackney Carriage) is world-famous in 2026 primarily due to "The Knowledge"—widely considered the most difficult taxi driver exam in the world. Drivers must memorize every street, landmark, and "run" within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross, a process that takes 2 to 4 years of study on a moped. This ensures that a London cabbie can navigate the city's labyrinthine streets without a GPS. Additionally, the iconic design of the vehicle itself is a global symbol of British life. Historically, the "Conditions of Fitness" set in 1906 required cabs to have a 25-foot turning circle—specifically so they could navigate the tiny roundabout at the entrance of the Savoy Hotel. In 2026, the fleet has transitioned almost entirely to electric LEVC TX models, which maintain the classic "tall" silhouette (originally designed so a gentleman could sit inside without removing his top hat) while featuring ultra-modern, zero-emission technology, keeping the "Black Cab" relevant in a city with strict environmental zones.