Any Taxi Drivers Here?

**Graham M** · 15-11-2007, 10:08

I'm sure there must be!

Hi guys, I'm going through the motions of applying for my Hackney license (Boy, what a long drawn out procedure!) anyways, for the knowledge test, can anyone give me some hints on learning the roads I don't know in the area that I have to know?

Cheers!

Zeph

**Graham M** · 15-11-2007, 15:58

Noone got any tips at all?

Uncle Peter · 15-11-2007, 16:42

Is there anywhere you can get a list of streets for your area? Make a list of the ones you're not familiar with and find out where they are with multimap/streetmap. Maybe you could spend a few days going through the list at random and seeing if you can work out how to drive there?

Might be a bit of a daunting task mind you.

**Graham M** · 15-11-2007, 16:50

Yeah ive got maps, etc. and so on I've been an operator for 2 years so I know a lot of the roads and areas, it's just a case of filling in the gaps!

altis · 15-11-2007, 17:05

I seem to remember Fred Housego or someone saying that they went out for days on their bike. You'll notice a lot more than in a car, it's healthier for you and the environment and it's free!

**Graham M** · 15-11-2007, 17:20

Yeah not a bad idea Altis, if we get some nice days where I'm free I may well do that!

16-11-2007, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeph

I'm sure there must be!

Hi guys, I'm going through the motions of applying for my Hackney license (Boy, what a long drawn out procedure!) anyways, for the knowledge test, can anyone give me some hints on learning the roads I don't know in the area that I have to know?

Cheers!

Zeph

Ask the local cabbies who have done the knowledge if the questions are the same all the time? You'll find out that the questions the Council will ask you are the same questions they ask all the new applicants.

The Hitman · 16-11-2007, 18:36

Could always buy a good ol fashioned SatNav

**Graham M** · 07-12-2007, 10:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Hitman

Could always buy a good ol fashioned SatNav

Our cabs have them built in so that's no bother, you still have to pass the knowledge test (I have my own as well) just got my copy of the CRB disclosure through today, looking good

punky · 07-12-2007, 12:45

Just curious, but have you moved to London? Or do you still need to do The Knowlege to drive a hackney carriage in Dorset?

orangebird · 07-12-2007, 12:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavin

Just curious, but have you moved to London? Or do you still need to do The Knowlege to drive a hackney carriage in Dorset?

The formal taxi license is called the Hackney license regardless of where you operate.

punky · 07-12-2007, 12:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangebird

The formal taxi license is called the Hackney license regardless of where you operate.

Indeed. But seems a bit silly to learn about London's streets if you're going to be driving around Dorset.

Mr_love_monkey · 07-12-2007, 13:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavin

Indeed. But seems a bit silly to learn about London's streets if you're going to be driving around Dorset.

I think it's just called 'The Knowledge' where ever you are - you're learning about the streets in your area, not london.

Knobbly · 07-12-2007, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeph

Noone got any tips at all?

I do, after you've got your Hackney plates please remember where your indicators and mirrors are and remember that your horn is not meant to be used to wake a whole neighbourhood up at 3am, this'll give you a bit of individuality from every other taxi driver who's convinced that once they start carrying fares the highway code no longer applies to them.

Good luck!

orangebird · 07-12-2007, 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavin

Indeed. But seems a bit silly to learn about London's streets if you're going to be driving around Dorset.

It's called the knowledge regardless of which streets you're learning. My dad was a London cabbie -he loved it. There's a really good film called 'The Knowledge' about 5 guys doing exactly that in London. Hilarious, and dad says, very true too.