THE KNOWLEDGE IS ON THE RISE! TfL marks 160 years of the Knowledge as applications RISE to decade high
- Perry Richardson
- 17 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Transport for London has marked the 160th anniversary of the Knowledge of London, as new figures show applications to become a licensed London taxi driver are at their highest level in a decade following reforms to the qualification process.
TfL said applications rose from 440 in 2022 to 742 by the end of November 2025, an increase of 68.6 percent. The authority said the rise reflects renewed interest in the profession and follows recent changes designed to make the Knowledge more accessible while maintaining its long-standing requirements.
The Knowledge, first introduced in 1865, requires applicants to memorise thousands of streets and points of interest across the capital. TfL said updates to the process have reduced the time between oral examinations, known as appearances, allowing committed candidates to progress more quickly through the system.
Data released by TfL shows the average time taken to complete the Knowledge has fallen from 5.25 years in 2020 to around three years in 2025. The authority said the reduction is the result of measures set out in its Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan, which aims to support the trade over the next five years while ensuring service standards are preserved.
Growing candidate numbers follow changes to the Knowledge process aimed at speeding up qualification while retaining standards
As of November 2025, there were 1,390 candidates actively undertaking the Knowledge. TfL said this demonstrates a growing pipeline of future licensed taxi drivers at a time when the wider transport sector is competing for skilled workers.
The Knowledge reforms form part of TfL’s wider Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan, published earlier this year, which sets out 14 measures intended to support both licensed taxi and private hire services. TfL said the plan is designed to help the industry adapt to changing passenger needs, regulatory pressures and environmental targets.
Licensed taxis continue to play a key role in London’s transport network, particularly for passengers who cannot easily use public transport. TfL said black cabs remain central to the capital’s accessibility offering and its wider push towards greener, sustainable transport.
The origins of the Knowledge are widely linked to concerns in the mid-19th century over drivers’ poor geographical understanding of London, with some historians pointing to complaints during the Great Exhibition of 1851. Candidates, traditionally referred to as knowledge boys or knowledge girls, spend months or years navigating the capital to learn routes in detail.
Academic research by University College London has previously found that licensed taxi drivers develop a larger hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with memory and navigation, as a result of mastering the Knowledge.
TfL highlighted recent examples to illustrate the breadth of candidates entering the profession, including 72-year-old Peter Laszlo from Fulham, who passed after learning routes by bicycle, and 20-year-old Connor Dill from Bromley, the youngest candidate to pass this year, who will qualify when he turns 21. TfL said the examples underline the accessibility of the qualification across age groups and backgrounds.
Helen Chapman, Director of Licensing and Regulation at TfL, said: “The Knowledge of London is the most respected taxi driver qualifications in the world, and we are proud to see a renewed interest in this London icon during its 160th anniversary year. The recent increase in applications reflects the enduring prestige of becoming a licensed London taxi driver. This is a fascinating, varied career where, as your own boss, you choose where and when to work.”
Katie Chennells, Knowledge of London Manager, said: “We are committed to supporting all applicants through the process and ensuring that the Knowledge continues to uphold the highest standards of service, safety and professionalism for Londoners and visitors alike. Now in its 160th year, London’s cab drivers continue to embody the spirit of the Knowledge, delivering a service that is trusted, expertly informed, and accessible to all who travel through the capital.”
Suzanne Sullivan, Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), said: “Following an initial meeting called by the LTDA in February 2024, alongside Transport for London's Knowledge team and other industry leaders, the group identified a worrying decline in the number of people signing up to The Knowledge. In response, the trade held a key industry summit at Taxi House. This meeting has since sparked coordinated and positive action across the trade.
“What began as an urgent discussion has quickly become a united campaign to promote The Knowledge and protect the future of the London taxi trade. Organisations including WizAnn, Taxi Academy, Taxi PR, Ascots, TaxiPoint, Knowledge Point, and the Worshipful Company have stepped forward with strong support. Their involvement has helped drive the campaign and sharpen focus on attracting new candidates.
“Early results are encouraging. New student registrations have increased.
“More candidates are starting training and beginning the journey towards their green badges. There is also a clear shift towards younger people taking up The Knowledge. This trend matters for long-term sustainability.
“This early progress shows the impact of the trade working together with clear intent. The campaign marks a strong and unified step to protect and strengthen one of London's most respected professional traditions.
“This effort aims to reverse the decline in numbers and build a stronger trade for the future.”
