TfL Raises Knowledge Test Fees as Taxi Recruitment Slows

Transport for London (TfL) has approved a £50 increase to the Knowledge of London application fee, bringing the total cost for aspiring black cab drivers to £650. This fee covers both the written and appearance stages of the assessment and reflects part of a wider licensing fee adjustment agreed by TfL’s Finance Committee. The move follows broader concerns within the sector, as highlighted by recent reports of London private hire drivers struggling amid TfL delays, signalling ongoing operational pressures across various segments of the city's transport industry.

A new £40 charge will also be introduced in late 2025 for the Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment, adding further cost to the already demanding licensing process. TfL has justified the increase by citing higher operational expenses and the need to meet new regulatory standards.

A TfL spokesperson explained:

"Despite internal cost-saving efforts, the licensing system is currently running at a £5 million annual deficit."

”The extra cost is unlikely to help attract new applicants into the industry, which has been struggling to recruit new drivers for several years.”

Taxi driver licence fees are also rising by £43, now totaling £343. TfL says these changes will support enhanced enforcement, updated safety measures, and a transition to digital licensing. Fee reviews are expected to continue annually to ensure sustainable cost recovery.