Vehicles & Drivers
Black Cabs
Black Cab is usually how licenced London taxis are referred to in London.
Black Cabs are the only door-to-door licenced transport service in London that can legally pick-up from the street without a prior booking. Black Cabs can use 90% of the Bus Lanes in London making them the fastest form of surface transport. Black Cabs are readily available from designated ranks, at all of London’s main transport hubs, such as Heathrow Airport, Waterloo and Victoria Stations to name but a few.
World’s Best Taxi Drivers
All Black Cab drivers have passed the world famous “Knowledge of London” test. Black Cab drivers have consistently been voted the world’s best taxi drivers by voters on Hotels.com
To become a black cab driver, the driver is required to pass the "Knowledge of London" test to obtain their license. The test requires every driver to memorise thousands of streets, routes, and points of interest within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross.
Accessibility
All Black Cabs are 100% wheelchair accessible. Amongst other features, Each vehicle has yellow handles and edges to assist the partially sited, a ramp and secure wheelchair space as well as an intercom and hearing induction loop fitted as standard.
Environment
Over 60% of Black Cabs are environmentally friendly running on electric or clean fuels. The London Black Cab trade has invested over £500 million in clean vehicles since 2018.
Safety Matters
Safest form of transport
Drivers
Every black cab driver in London has passed The Knowledge — widely regarded as the world’s toughest mapping test. The average learning period is 44 months, during which drivers memorise thousands of routes and landmarks across the capital. Often called a test of character, The Knowledge demands exceptional dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to public service — qualities reflected in every licensed driver behind the wheel.
In addition to this rigorous training, every black cab driver undergoes an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, ensuring they are fully vetted to work safely with all members of the public, including children and vulnerable individuals. At blackcab.com, these high standards are your assurance of a safe, professional, and trustworthy journey — every time.
Every black cab driver in London has passed The Knowledge — widely regarded as the world’s toughest mapping test. The average learning period is 44 months, during which drivers memorise thousands of routes and landmarks across the capital. Often called a test of character, The Knowledge demands exceptional dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to public service — qualities reflected in every licensed driver behind the wheel.
In addition to this rigorous training, every black cab driver undergoes an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, ensuring they are fully vetted to work safely with all members of the public, including children and vulnerable individuals. At blackcab.com, these high standards are your assurance of a safe, professional, and trustworthy journey — every time.
Vehicles
Every London black cab is wheelchair accessible and purpose-built to meet rigorous safety standards. Black cabs undergo annual licensing inspections and bi-annual MOT tests to ensure they remain fit for service.
A secure partition separates passengers from the driver, offering both privacy and protection. Each cab is equipped with an intercom system and features designed to support passengers with disabilities — including a hearing induction loop, contrasting yellow grab handles for the visually impaired, and step-free access for wheelchair users.
Every London black cab is wheelchair accessible and purpose-built to meet rigorous safety standards. Black cabs undergo annual licensing inspections and bi-annual MOT tests to ensure they remain fit for service.
A secure partition separates passengers from the driver, offering both privacy and protection. Each cab is equipped with an intercom system and features designed to support passengers with disabilities — including a hearing induction loop, contrasting yellow grab handles for the visually impaired, and step-free access for wheelchair users.
Payments
You can pay your journey in the vehicle by cash or by major credit card.
Passengers chose the payment method that best suits them. There are no additional charges for using your card, and printed receipts for card payments are available in all vehicles.
In-app payments are coming soon.
You can pay your journey in the vehicle by cash or by major credit card.
Passengers chose the payment method that best suits them. There are no additional charges for using your card, and printed receipts for card payments are available in all vehicles.
In-app payments are coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Only individuals 18 years or older can register or download the app.
- Minors may travel in a taxi only if accompanied by an appropriate adult or by agreement directly with the Transport Provider.
- No registration is required to use Virtual Hand.
- You must register to pre-book a taxi or use VIP services.
No, you can hail a taxi using any internet-connected device, including a desktop PC, tablet, or mobile phone.
We encourage customers to download the app for the best experience. However, you can still use the Virtual Hand feature without registering or downloading the app by visiting our web browser at www.blackcab.com.
You will never pay more than the metered fare plus the booking fee (if applicable) when using our service. The metered fare is set by Transport for London (TfL): TfL Taxi Fare Guide.
You can pay by cash or card. Every taxi is equipped with a TfL-approved payment device in the rear of the vehicle. You should only use the installed payment device for card payments.
- No booking fee applies when using Virtual Hand.
- Registered Users are charged a £2.00 booking fee.
- VIP users pay no booking fee, as this is covered under the subscription model.
- The booking fee is set by TfL, and we will never charge more than the regulated amount.
Once the driver has arrived at the pickup point, they may start the meter at their discretion
Drivers legally have the right to start the meter as soon as they accept an app-based hiring. However, the driver has foregone that right on the basis of the agreed Cancellation Fee.
- Drivers can provide printed receipts upon request.
- If you require a receipt post-journey, check your bank statement to see which merchant processed your transaction.
- If the statement shows ‘Licensed London Taxi’, enter your details here to request a receipt.
- We do not issue invoices for third-party service providers.
If you have lost an item, please submit a Lost Property report here Once submitted, we will contact the driver and notify you with any updates.
In case of an emergency, call us immediately on 0207 655 6970.
Complaints about a driver or their vehicle should be made directly to TfL via their website: TfL Complaints.
