Taxi Academy: LTDA visits those supporting the future of the Knowledge and the trade
- Perry Richardson
- Oct 5
- 4 min read
For more than 160 years, the Knowledge of London has stood as the cornerstone of the capital’s taxi trade. The process of memorising 25,000 streets and thousands of landmarks is world-renowned for its difficulty and rigour. It ensures that every licensed driver is not only an expert in navigating the city but also a professional trusted by the public.
Yet, despite its value, the Knowledge faces ongoing pressures. Driver numbers have fallen in recent years, accelerated by the pandemic, the rise of app-based competition, and the challenges of running a cab in a city often hostile to road users.
Against this backdrop, Knowledge schools play an increasingly vital role. They are not only centres of instruction but also communities where aspiring drivers find the encouragement, discipline and motivation to keep going. One such school is the Taxi Academy, based at Angel Gate, City Road, which LTDA Airport Rep Suzanne Sullivan visited recently.
Founded in September 2023 by cabbies and Knowledge supporters Tom Scullion and Courtney Cornell, Taxi Academy has already established itself as a major hub for learners. With over 200 students enrolled, it is unusual in being entirely free of charge. All teachers volunteer their time, with support from Gett, who provide the space.
“The teachers share the classes between them: Courtney, Tom, Shaun, Tommy and Sandro. I was impressed by their commitment to supporting the trade without financial gain, taking pride only in preparing the next generation of London’s finest to take to the streets,” Sullivan said.
Building confidence in the classroom
On her Thursday evening visit, Sullivan watched a three-hour class where students were asked to call runs aloud in front of their peers. The exercise was familiar to her from her own Knowledge days, though she admitted she would never have had the confidence to perform in front of a group.
“These students did it without hesitation, which clearly builds confidence,” she said. “Students at all stages and levels took part. None appeared shy, as they were used to the process and were clearly encouraged and supported by each other.”
She highlighted one student in particular: Hakim, aged 19, who was preparing for his first Appearance. His younger brother, just 18, was already on 28s, which is remarkable given the average age of most candidates. A week later Hakim passed his first test with “confidence and composure”, which Sullivan credited to both his determination and the strong support offered by the Taxi Academy.
More than maps and runs
The Knowledge is widely regarded as the most demanding taxi qualification in the world, taking between three and five years on average to complete. The drop-out rate is high, not least because it can be a lonely and daunting journey. That is where schools like Taxi Academy prove indispensable.
“The Knowledge is a demanding process that can take several years to complete. A Knowledge school, however, offers much more than structured instruction. It provides a community where students support one another, exchange advice, and maintain motivation through regular practice sessions. The Academy serves as a second home, fostering both determination and discipline,” Sullivan explained.
The Academy combines traditional call-over methods with modern resources, including mapping software and digital platforms, to create an interactive learning environment. Its bright neon signage and open-plan design have been deliberately chosen to inspire students and underline the importance of the work they are undertaking.
Why schools matter now more than ever
Knowledge schools have always been central to the trade. From the long-established Wizann to the smaller call-over clubs dotted across London, they provide the infrastructure without which the Knowledge would struggle to survive. But in today’s environment, their importance is magnified.
Driver numbers have fallen by more than a quarter in the last decade, with many older drivers retiring during or after the pandemic. At the same time, competition from private hire apps has lured potential recruits away with the promise of less training and quicker earnings. While the trade continues to recover, ensuring a steady flow of new candidates is critical to its long-term survival.
Encouragingly, schools like Taxi Academy are attracting a younger intake, with more students in their teens and early twenties beginning their journey. For the trade, this injection of youth is essential. “Encouraging more people to embark on the Knowledge is vital for the future of the trade, and this type of support network plays an essential role,” Sullivan said.
Community spirit
Taxi Academy has also reintroduced something that has sometimes been missing in recent years – a sense of camaraderie. Knowledge candidates often form lifelong friendships in the classroom, bonding over the shared challenge of mastering London’s streets. For many, this support is the difference between giving up and carrying on.
The voluntary nature of Taxi Academy’s teaching adds to that community feel. “The support offered at this school is exceptional, provided by a dedicated team of teachers and by the students themselves,” Sullivan noted.
Looking forward
As the trade adapts to a city that is constantly changing, Knowledge schools like Taxi Academy will remain critical. They ensure that new drivers are equipped not just with geographical knowledge but also with the professionalism and pride that has defined London cabbies for generations.
For Sullivan, her visit was a reminder of what makes the Knowledge unique – not just the intellectual challenge, but the network of people willing to give their time to sustain it. Her next stop will be Wizann Knowledge School in south-east London, where she will continue to chart how schools are helping to secure the future of the trade.
With its mix of tradition, innovation and community spirit, Taxi Academy is showing that the Knowledge can still inspire, attract and prepare a new generation of drivers. And for London, that means the black cab, and the standards that underpin it, remains in safe hands.
