Addison Lee Knowledge School celebrates first driver to earn Green Badge
- Perry Richardson
- 1 minute ago
- 3 min read
Addison Lee has marked a milestone in its driver development programme after one of its long-serving drivers became the first to qualify as a London black cab driver through the firm’s Knowledge School initiative.
Marcin Klich, who spent 18 years driving with Addison Lee, completed the Knowledge of London in 21 and a half months while continuing to work. The timeframe is notably shorter than Transport for London’s 2025 average completion time of around three years. He has now joined ComCab London and recently collected the keys to his new taxi after earning his Green Badge.
The achievement represents the first successful qualification from Addison Lee’s West Drayton Knowledge School, delivered in partnership with WizAnn, since the programme launched in February 2024. The initiative is designed to provide structured training and peer support to drivers seeking to transition from private hire to the licensed taxi trade.
Marcin said: “Working regularly in central London meant I didn’t feel like I was starting from scratch - I already had a strong foundation. The training and support were amazing. Whenever I needed help or guidance, there was always someone there.”
Long-serving private hire driver completes the Knowledge of London in under two years before joining ComCab London
He described the bi-monthly Knowledge appearances as the most demanding element of the process. “You only get one chance every two months. The night before, it feels impossible to sleep,” he said. Candidates must demonstrate detailed route knowledge and points of interest to examiners during these staged assessments, which are widely regarded as one of the most rigorous licensing processes in the UK transport sector.
Despite the pressure, Marcin said the structured school environment and peer network were critical in maintaining focus. Since qualifying, he said the move into the black cab sector has delivered greater flexibility and a renewed sense of professional pride. “Being part of such an iconic fleet feels really special,” he added.
The Knowledge of London remains the gateway for prospective taxi drivers, often requiring several years of study and financial commitment. Initiatives like Addison Lee’s have supported progression into the licensed taxi sector and look to help address ongoing supply challenges.
Addison Lee’s West Drayton Knowledge School allows drivers to continue earning while preparing for examinations, potentially lowering the opportunity cost traditionally associated with full-time study. Marcin’s progression highlights how existing road experience, combined with structured tuition, can shorten qualification times and create new career pathways within the capital’s taxi and private hire industry.
Patrick Gallagher, Interim CEO at Addison Lee, said: “Marcin’s achievement is a fantastic milestone for the Knowledge School and a real credit to his commitment and professionalism.
“We set the programme to give experienced drivers the structure and support to take the next step in their careers while continuing to work – and Marcin’s success shows exactly what’s possible with the right environment around you.”
Tony Marson, Managing Director of ComCab London, said: “Qualifying as a Black Taxi driver is an extraordinary achievement, and completing the Knowledge in just over 21 months is a real testament to Marcin’s dedication.
“Marcin’s journey is a fantastic example of how experienced drivers can build on their time in the industry and take the next step in their careers. We’re proud to have him join our fleet and look forward to seeing him thrive as part of the ComCab community.”
