 All licensed cabbies must be experts on London's road network |
London's iconic black cabs face an uncertain future unless the trade is reformed, a report says. Up to 80% of would-be cabbies drop out before passing The Knowledge exam - and those who stick with it take about three years to pass.
To pass drivers need an in-depth knowledge of London's streets within six miles of Charing Cross.
The exam needs reviewing and the Public Carriage Office should be reformed, a London Assembly investigation found.
 |  The future of the trade could be at risk |
It found the time taken to complete The Knowledge had increased dramatically in the past 20 years, and many entrants had to look for other jobs in the meantime.
Assembly member Peter Hulme Cross said: "These are worrying trends and the future of the trade could be at risk.
"It is vital to ensure that people are not dropping out for any other reason than failing to meet the required standard.
"We have heard the argument that changes to The Knowledge will lead to declining standards, but the PCO and licensed taxi trade need to face this issue head on."
He wants to see Knowledge testing and vehicle inspections being contracted out to other companies, so the PCO is not both setting the standards and enforcing them.
PCO head Roy Ellis and Taxis and Private Hire Director Ed Thompson will attend a meeting of the Assembly's transport committee on 1 December to discuss the report.
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