Transport for London (TfL) says it is seeing a major revival of interest in the world-famous Knowledge of London, with applications to begin the training rising nearly 70 per cent over the
past three years.
New figures show applications jumped from 440 in 2022 to 742 by the end of November 2025—an increase of 68.6 per cent and on course to be the highest total in a decade. The rise comes as the iconic qualification celebrates its 160th anniversary and TfL continues to modernise the licensing process for London’s black cab drivers.
Helen Chapman, TfL’s Director of Licensing and Regulation, said the milestone year had helped spark renewed admiration for the training.
“The Knowledge of London is the most respected taxi driver qualification in the world, and we are proud to see a renewed interest in this London icon during its 160th anniversary year,” she said.
Shorter route to the badge
In recent years, TfL has overhauled the system behind the Knowledge to make it more accessible and efficient. The average completion time has fallen dramatically—from more than five years in 2020 to around three years in 2025.
Officials say these reductions are the result of changes intended to streamline the notoriously demanding process, including shorter gaps between oral assessments known as “appearances.” TfL insists standards remain high, but hopes quicker completion times will help attract newcomers to the trade.
As of November, 1,390 people are currently undertaking the Knowledge, reflecting growing enthusiasm for careers in London’s licensed taxi industry.
Wider improvements to taxi and private hire sector
The surge in applications follows the launch of TfL’s Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan earlier this year. The five-year blueprint outlines 14 measures designed to modernise the sector, support drivers, and maintain high standards of service for passengers.
The Knowledge itself has evolved continuously to keep pace with a rapidly changing city. Although vastly different from its 19th-century beginnings, the qualification is still regarded as the world’s most rigorous test of urban navigation. Taxi drivers remain a vital part of London’s transport network, particularly for passengers with accessibility needs or those unable to rely on buses and trains.
A London tradition
The origins of the Knowledge date back to 1865, when complaints about hackney carriage drivers’ street knowledge helped spark creation of the test. Trainees—often known as “knowledge boys” or “knowledge girls”—still criss-cross the capital on mopeds or bicycles, memorising thousands of street names and routes.
Research by University College London has shown that London taxi drivers develop an enlarged hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for long-term memory—a biological testament to the scale of the challenge.
From 20 to 72: Knowledge welcomes all ages
TfL says this year’s successful candidates underline the enduring inclusivity of the qualification. Among them is 72-year-old Fulham resident Peter Laszlo, who earned his badge after mastering London’s streets by bicycle.
At the other end of the age spectrum is 20-year-old Connor Dill from Bromley, the youngest person to pass this year. He now awaits his 21st birthday to become officially licensed and has been documenting his progress on Instagram, where he provides insights into the gruelling training process.
As TfL celebrates 160 years of the Knowledge, its leadership hopes that a stronger pipeline of trainee drivers will help secure the future of London’s world-famous taxi service—combining tradition with a modern, streamlined path to the badge. Photo by Chris Sampson, Wikimedia commons.