On the surface 1900-45 > Taxi!

Regulation and knowledge

In the 1920s and 1930s, London taxis were regulated by the Public Carriage Office. Meters were introduced for the first time to end disputes over fares.

Before getting his licence, every cab driver had to demonstrate his mastery of the city’s layout. This difficult test of potential routes, street names and destinations became known as ‘the Knowledge’. Passing the Knowledge means that to this day, licensed London cabbies know where they are going and the quickest way to get there.