Do Glasgow Taxi Drivers Need to Pass the Knowledge?

It is well known that in order to become a London Hackney cab driver you have to first pass the ‘Knowledge’ test. All licensed taxi drivers in the capital must have an in depth knowledge of the topography of London. In order to gain this knowledge they must study for and pass this special test before they can drive a black cab.

There are two types of licensed badges that the drivers can apply for. There is the green badge and the yellow badge. In order to gain a green badge drivers need a detailed knowledge of London within a six mile radius of Charing Cross. In all they need to know about 320 different routes and all the landmarks and places of interest along those routes. It usually takes between two and four years to gain your green badge. The yellow badge drivers are called the suburban taxi drivers. They can choose from London's nine suburban sectors and they must know between 30 and 51 routes. As well as these routes they also need to know the landmarks and places of interest. This generally takes up to two years.

To become a Licensed Glasgow taxi driver you have to pass a topographical test, it is not commonly known as ‘The Knowledge’ and is a city-mandated rigorous test about Glasgow navigational knowledge. It consists of 100 multiple choice questions, for which the pass mark is 80%. It should last about 45 minutes and costs £23. Most potential drivers attend taxi school which is a not for profit organisation that provides tutorship and helps the drivers with preparation for the test. The taxi school also helps potential drivers, providing practice materials and advice on customer care and disability awareness. Although it is not as well known as the London taxi Cab drivers Knowledge test, the taxi drivers in Glasgow do have to undergo rigorous testing before they achieve their license.