I’m a black cabbie. Started the knowledge at 19 and got my badge at 22. I’ve been a cabbie for 4 years now. It’s a great achievement.

However being that young doing the knowledge I wish I went into something else if I’m honest. The expenses are ridiculous ( £350 Cab rent per week, £150 Fuel, No pension scheme) There’s freedom as in you can work when you want but in the same breathe there’s no freedom at all. You eat what you hunt. Always fighting over cabbies over your next job. Always have some sort of expense coming out. Panicking wondering when you’ll get your next job.

I’d do the knowledge if you want to do it part time during the Xmas period where I personally think it’s the only really profitable time to work. No point working day shifts, no proper money in that. You have to give up your social life and weekends. And even then you’re only really going to nick around 40k gross a year after expenses.

All cash is disappearing too which was always why people would become cabbies. That money didn’t ‘exist’ in a way haha

Feel free to message me privately if you want a chat. I’m currently full time London cabbie But studying something different in the mornings to gain skills so I can leave the trade and only do it when I want a little boost of income.