NEXT GENERATION: Youngest Knowledge of London graduate enters taxi trade after just two and a half years of studying
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
A new generation of London taxi drivers is emerging, with the youngest recent graduate of the Knowledge of London highlighting both the demands and opportunities within the trade, according to the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA).
Writing in TAXI Newspaper, LTDA Airport Representative Suzanne Sullivan detailed the journey of Bahrain Mujagata, who completed the Knowledge in just two years and seven months, marking him out as one of the quicker entrants into the profession. Mujagata received his badge shortly before turning 21, meaning he briefly had to wait before legally being able to drive a licensed taxi.
Sullivan said the process remains a significant but rewarding undertaking for all candidates. “The reality is that every one of us went through it: the long days, the setbacks, the endless revising, the pressure of appearances, and general uncertainty of whether it would all come together in the end,” she wrote, adding that the challenges are often forgotten once drivers qualify.
The LTDA continues to work closely with students navigating the Knowledge, particularly those facing difficulties progressing to final stages. Sullivan noted that candidates can spend years completing the process and may still face further waits for assessment dates. “We get so much joy from helping them, as they are so grateful at that last hurdle of obtaining their badge,” she said.
LTDA representative Suzanne Sullivan highlights the journey of a record-breaking young driver and the challenges facing Knowledge students
Mujagata’s route into the trade reflects a broader shift in the demographic of Knowledge students. Having arrived in the UK from Uganda aged 17, he began studying at 18 while balancing college, drama classes and part-time work. “Bahrain is a true inspiration,” Sullivan said, noting that he eventually prioritised his Knowledge studies before progressing to university, where he is now studying computer science alongside working as a cab driver.
The case also points to evolving career patterns among new entrants, with some combining taxi driving with further education or other ambitions. Mujagata plans to continue his studies while working part-time in the trade, and has expressed an interest in returning to acting in the future.
Sullivan emphasised the LTDA’s role in supporting a pipeline of new drivers at a time when the industry continues to face recruitment challenges. “We at the LTDA truly believe in the future of our trade, and helping Knowledge students is living proof of that,” she said. She added that engagement with students from “all walks of life and all ages” reinforces the long-term resilience of the sector.
The recent arrival of younger drivers could prove significant for the capital’s taxi industry, which relies on a steady intake of qualified drivers to maintain service levels. Sullivan concluded that seeing newly qualified drivers on the road remains a key reward, describing “getting a wave from a new cabbie whose journey we have had the pleasure of supporting” as a highlight of the role.
