London Cabbie

A big THANK YOU to the taxi driver who picked me up by Buckingham Palace and took me to St Thomas Hospital on Saturday night (05-06-10).

I had a nasty fall on my bike and since there were no ambulances available, my boyfriend hailed down a cab. When arrriving at the A&E the driver very generously refused payment for the journey.

Situations like this make you feel pretty small and vulnerable in a big city like London and knowing that there are such kindhearted people out there, puts a great smile on my face.

So whoever you are, one again a big THANK YOU!!

Maria

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Hi guys,

I know this question has probably been asked a million+ times but I need advice from the experts.I was an Edinburgh licensed black cab driver for over 13yrs(our knowledge took me 9 months but Edinburgh is a village compared to London but it was still an intensive course and test).

I am currently living in Eastbourne,East Sussex since 2006 and have been thinking of doing the knowledge for London.Could you guys answer the following questions:

1:On average how long does it take(Ive heard 2yrs+)

2:how many hours per week of study needed to have the best chance(I am currently working full time)

3:can it be done part time

4:can some of course be done from home

5:how much time per week needed to be spent in London

6:once you pass the knowledge can you get your own taxi plate and cab(plates in Edinburgh 0ver £45000)

7:How much is it for a 6 day rental on the day shift

8:street car or radio car whats the best option,Ive always hired a radio £375 in Edinburgh(but worth it as I like to start early morning)

9:if you have your own cab can you rent it out to a night shift driver if you work days

Sorry guys if these questions seem trivial but getting your expert advice would be greatly appreciated

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Well,.. first I have to say, what a fabulous, crazy, mental, exciting,  and ..nervous, first week it’s been! I absolutely love it.. what a buzz it is to be a cabbie! London is the best City Ever! .. I would recommend it to everyone,,, do the knowledge… it’s good for you..It’s really worth all the hard work….I have so much to say, so many incredible stories to tell.. and it’s only been one week..! I’m going to have to keep a diary… well…. here’s 1 mad story so far ..Today, I picked up 3 lovely South African Gents from Marylebone Station., they wanted to go to Fulham Road.. ok… in you get .. let’s go I said.. and off I whizzed.. as if I’d been driving a cab all my life!!..We were having a really brilliant jolly on the way, I was cracking them all up… They asked me how long  I ‘d been a cabbie?.. oh, 6 days I replied! … their faces grimaced.. and they strapped their seat belts firmly around themselves! This made me laugh!! I’m an ace cabbie I replied! have faith! .. well I got them there, in quick time… the fare was £16.20.. ,they gave me £20 and another £20 tip.. This has to be a record tip… surely?! Well.. the story gets better! I had dropped them off at a church, one of the men asked my name, and then got on his knees and did a prayer for me and the cab, to keep me safe etc…. and said, I was very special, and that I was going to have a brilliant career…. and bid me goodbye,…. well… what a good morning I was having… and it was only 8 am!! I have loads more stories, but I’m off to bed now, ……… if anyone’s interested, I’ll post them tomorrow…what a mad job being a cabbie is…… Cat x

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