Sadiq Khan urged to protect London's black cabs amid fears iconic vehicles could go extinct in 20 years

The average time required to acquire "the Knowledge" has also dropped from 5.25 years in 2020 to just three years, in a major boost to the industry and the capital.

The Knowledge, which is celebrating its 160th anniversary, is on track to reach its highest number of applications in a year for more than a decade.

Transport for London has made attempts to streamline the process recently and "meet the challenges of the next five years" as part of the Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan.

As of November 2025, 1,390 people are undertaking the Knowledge, with TfL highlighting that this showed "both the prestige of the qualification and the growing appeal of a career in the capital's taxi industry".

Commenting on the growth in applications, Helen Chapman, Director of Licensing and Regulation at TfL, said the organisation was "proud" to see a renewed interest in the Knowledge.

Similarly, Katie Chennells, Knowledge of London Manager, added: "We are committed to supporting all applicants through the process and ensuring that the Knowledge continues to uphold the highest standards of service, safety and professionalism for Londoners and visitors alike.

"Now in its 160th year, London's cab drivers continue to embody the spirit of the Knowledge, delivering a service that is trusted, expertly informed, and accessible to all who travel through the capital."

Transport for London's Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan set out 14 actions to support the sector and make driving in the capital easier for these motorists.

Some of the key factors include ensuring taxis retain access to bus lanes, regulations on taxi booking companies, and calling on the Government to continue the plug-in taxi grant.

The PiTG offers drivers a discount of up to £3,000 for vehicles with a zero-emission range between 10 and 69 miles, and a £4,000 grant for vehicles that can travel 70 miles or more without producing emissions.

Speaking earlier this year, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan emphasised the "rich history" and "vital role" that black cabs continue to play in the capital.

He said: "At a time when the taxi trade and private hire industry face huge pressures, this new action plan will help to bolster and protect them, retaining and attracting more drivers to the trade and ensuring high safety standards for both passengers and drivers, building a better, fairer London for all."

It follows a damning report in March, which revealed that iconic black cabs across the capital could be extinct in the next 20 years.

According to a Centre for London report, if the number of taxis in the capital continues to fall at its current rate, black cabs would disappear by 2045.

The organisation called on the Government, Mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London to act to protect the industry and keep black cabs in the capital on the road.

Survey data found that two-thirds of Londoners believe more should be done to protect the trade, while 78 per cent believe that black cabs will still exist in 100 years.

Sam Pooke, head of public policy at Freenow, commented: "Taxis are an integral part of London’s transport network, providing high-quality, safe, accessible journeys for millions of people every year.

"However, these findings show that without intervention from the Mayor of London, TfL, and central government, the iconic London black cab could soon become a thing of the past."