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A 21 year old just conquered the hardest taxi test in the world proving London roads belong to its black cab drivers

Published on Feb 01, 2026 at 3:42 PM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe

Last updated on Jan 30, 2026 at 4:44 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

The Knowledge of London has long been known as the hardest taxi test in the world, but it was no big deal for one young hopeful.

The extensive test is required for any driver seeking to operate as a black cabby – a vehicle that’s virtually a London landmark.

From learning routes in the city of London to roads in the suburbs, the test helps determine whether candidates have what it takes to go the distance.

Often taking years to complete, it’s the hardest in the business, but dreams do come true, and at just 21, this driver achieved what seemed impossible.

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The hardest taxi test in the world – here’s what you need to know

The Knowledge of London is a necessary test for any London black cab driver who wants to get on the road.

There is a whole list of reasons why it is often labelled as the hardest taxi test in the world.

Transport for London states that The Knowledge is completed in seven intense stages.

A 21 year old just conquered the hardest taxi test in the world proving London roads belongs to its black cab drivers
TFL

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The hardest taxi test in the world

  • Stage 1: Self-assessment to make sure cabbies are heading in the right direction with their learning based on the first 80 runs in the special Blue Book (containing runs within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross).
  • Step 2: Written examination that consists of five questions from your Blue Book Knowledge and 25 questions that test major landmark knowledge, with a pass mark of 60 percent.
  • Stages 3, 4, and 5: All about one-to-ones with an examiner. Appearances at stage 3 are 56 days apart, 28 days apart at Stage 4, and then at Stage 5, they are 21 days apart.
  • Stage 6: Suburban examination to show you have a good grasp of the suburbs, learning an extra 25 routes.
  • Stage 7: The final state consists of a license application and a pre-licensing talk, with your badge and license given to you after the final application.
A 21 year old just conquered the hardest taxi test in the world proving London roads belongs to its black cab drivers
TFL

Now, even though the London black cab fleet consists of cars, many taxi drivers use a scooter, or moped, to learn the routes for the hardest taxi test in the world, as well as attending ‘Knowledge schools’.

For this 21-year-old aspiring cabby the test was a breeze

The title of London’s youngest taxi driver belongs to 21-year-old Connor, who celebrated his milestone birthday by collecting the product of seven stages of pure hard work.

A 21 year old just conquered the hardest taxi test in the world proving London roads belongs to its black cab drivers
TFL

TFL shared the exciting news online, stating it was a ‘proud moment’ for the taxi trade as the The Knoweldge takes ‘dedication, hard work and determination’.

Of course, things look a little different on the otherside of the Atlantic with driverless taxis, the imminent Cybercab, and FSD.

One thing is for sure, though, in London, black cabbies are still dominating the road and are even a tourist attraction.

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Beginning her career as a lifestyle reporter and social-media manager, Grace joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025. Since coming on board, she has thrown herself into the busy daily writing schedule. Her editorial sweet spots include writing about luxury properties and the quirky features inside them that the one percent are investing in, as well as groundbreaking advancements in space exploration.