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To be a licensed driver you must be at least 21 years of age. There is no upper age limit, provided you meet the other
licensing requirements. The Licensing Authority has to be satisfied that the drivers it licenses are safe, honest and
trustworthy. Therefore every applicant is the subject of a criminal record check before being licensed. This is done by
asking you to obtain an enhanced criminal records check from the Criminal Records Bureau, an agency of the Home
Office. We will also look at your driving licence to see if you have any driving convictions.
Having a driving or criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from becoming licensed - it depends what the
conviction was for, the sentence imposed and how long ago it was.
Taxi drivers are professional drivers carrying passengers for hire and reward. The Licensing Authority has determined
that for this reason a higher standard of medical fitness is required than that needed for a standard DVLA driving licence.
The standards applied, called Group 2 Standards, are those required for drivers of large goods vehicles, buses and
coaches. The standards are based upon DVLA Group 2, and are similar to those required for drivers of large goods
vehicles, buses and coaches.
If you apply to be licensed you will be required to prove your medical fitness by undergoing a medical examination with
your GP. It is difficult to cover all possibilities, but certain conditions such as epilepsy, poor eyesight, insulin treated
diabetes and serious heart problems could result in an application being refused. If you are in any doubt about a condition
you have, you may wish to consult your GP before you apply.
As taxis can be hailed in the street with no advance warning of where a passenger might want to go, a taxi driver must
have a thorough knowledge of the capital. It is for this reason that taxi drivers have to learn the world famous 'Knowledge'.
If you want to be an All-London taxi driver you will need a detailed knowledge of all the streets and places of interest in
central London with a more general knowledge of the major arterial routes throughout the rest of London.
If you choose to apply for a suburban licence you will be required to have a detailed knowledge of your chosen sector
along with a more general knowledge of central London.
Once you have studied your chosen area you will be tested on your knowledge by PCO examiners in a series of
examinations.
How long it takes to complete the Knowledge is dependent on your ability, effort and commitment. On average, it takes
four years to be licensed as an All-London taxi driver, two years for a Suburban driver. However, many applicants
complete the Knowledge much quicker than this. This may seem like a long time but the rewards to be gained once
you are licensed make it worthwhile.
You can apply to start learning the All-London Knowledge from the age of 18. Suburban applicants cannot apply until
they are 21.
All licensed drivers must hold a full DVLA, Northern Ireland or European Economic Area (EEA)
state driving licence.
As a taxi is a purpose built vehicle that has different driving characteristics from a standard car and has special features
to assist people with disabilities, if you want to be licensed as a taxi driver you will need to take an additional driving test
in a licensed taxi.
If you have a disability you can still become licensed as a taxi driver but you may have to have your driving ability
assessed independently, in a suitably modified vehicle if appropriate.
Transport for London
Public Carriage Office
15 Penton Street
London N1 9PU
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