As a family run business we pride ourselves on getting the right people to deliver top class service. London Taxi Guides really are a group apart.
We only use taxi guides who have completed ‘The Knowledge of London’ to become London Black Cab Drivers. In addition they all have also studied to become Taxi Guides.
‘The Knowledge’ is the in-depth study of street routes and places of interest that taxi drivers in London must complete. They need this to obtain a license to operate a black cab. Initiated in 1865 it is the the hardest map based examination process in the world. Changing very little since it began it is the world’s most demanding training course for taxi drivers. Applicants will usually need at least 12 ‘Appearances’ (attempts at the final test). Having prepared for an average 34 months to pass the examination. Whilst learning ‘The Knowledge’, would-be taxi drivers use the famous A-Z street maps. They help them master the labyrinth of over 26,000 streets within a six mile radius of Charing Cross.
The Taxi Guide course is run by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers. Working in conjunction with the Museum of London it is an accredited Guiding Level 3 Green Badge. Having completed the course, students complete both written and practical exams. This shows that they have achieved the required standard laid down by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers and the Museum of London Education Department.
