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Posted on the 21st July 2025 in PHTM News
FREENOW INVESTS IN FUTURE OF LONDON'S ICONIC BLACK CABS WITH NEW FINANCIAL SUBSIDY
The new financial subsidy is designed to support students of Knowledge of London and help halt the alarming decline in the number of the capital's iconic black cabs.
Launched to coincide with the 160th anniversary of "The Knowledge of London" – the world-renowned test for black cab drivers established in 1865.
The move comes as data reveals a staggering one-third reduction in licensed black cabs on London's roads since 2013, plummeting from over 22,000 to just over 14,000 in 2024, as highlighted in a recent report by the Centre for London think tank.
FREENOW's comprehensive subsidy will cover critical costs for all students currently undertaking or commencing "The Knowledge," including:
Tuition fees
Application fees
Examination fees
Licensing fees
This investment aims to accelerate the completion of "The Knowledge," a notoriously rigorous test that can take 3-4 years and cost up to £10,000 for drivers to complete independently.
"The dramatic fall in licensed black cabs over the past decade, coupled with a lack of clear vision for the trade's future, compelled us to act once again," said Danny O'Gorman, UK General Manager at FREENOW. "The Knowledge demands immense dedication and financial commitment. By launching this new subsidy, we are reinforcing our unwavering commitment to supporting the black cab trade, removing key financial hurdles, and ensuring the continued availability of London's world-recognised, safe, reliable, and accessible taxi service."
This new subsidy builds on FREENOW's successful 2023 initiative, which provided financial support to registered Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) drivers transitioning to black cabs. That program is already yielding results, with 30 drivers currently undertaking "The Knowledge" and a few nearing completion of their studies. Since its launch, over 1,300 PHV drivers have applied for the previous subsidy.
Jamshid Mukhammadiev, a driver and Knowledge student, said: “I’m a student of the Knowledge subsidy provided by FREENOW. It’s great to have this financial support. Having access to this subsidy made it easier for me to apply and study for the Knowledge, and I hope to graduate this year.”
"We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with FREENOW and wholeheartedly welcome this new subsidy for current Knowledge students," commented Dean Warrington, Founder at WizAnn Knowledge School. "At a time when proactive solutions are scarce, FREENOW's investment of time and money directly addresses the challenges faced by the trade, offering a tangible path forward for aspiring drivers."
Steve McNamara, General Secretary, The Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, added: "In what continues to be a challenging financial period for many, it's fantastic to see FREENOW stepping up to support both current Knowledge students and existing drivers looking to transition to black cab drivers. Initiatives like this are crucial to ensure the taxi trade continues to thrive, and I encourage anyone seeking a rewarding, flexible career to undertake 'The Knowledge' and become a London cabbie."
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