The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test (2017)

The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test (2017) poster

A documentary going behind the scenes of one of the hardest exams in the world, the test that all black cabbies must take: The Knowledge of London. For the first time, a fixed camera rig has been allowed inside the gruelling, nerve-wracking oral exams or ‘appearances’ for which candidates known as ‘Knowledge Boys or Girls’ must pass to show they have the necessary expertise. To pass this legendary exam candidates must memorize and be able to recall the capital’s 25,000 + streets, 100,000 points of interest and how they all fit together. The film follows the surprising range of characters who are each at various stages of the process, including a single mum, Kosovan immigrant and a bus driver. It takes an average of four years to pass The Knowledge and with a 70% drop out rate any candidate needs a dogged determination to pass and join the ranks of the world’s most elite taxi service.

Director: Hannah Lowes
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 46 min
Release Date:

Cast

Production: Channel 4 Television, Honey Productions Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Hannah Lowes
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test about?
A documentary going behind the scenes of one of the hardest exams in the world, the test that all black cabbies must take: The Knowledge of London. For the first time, a fixed camera rig has been allowed inside the gruelling, nerve-wracking oral exams or ‘appearances’ for which candidates known as ‘Knowledge Boys or Girls’ must pass to show they have the necessary expertise. To pass this legendary exam candidates must memorize and be able to recall the capital’s 25,000 + streets, 100,000 points of interest and how they all fit together. The film follows the surprising range of characters who are each at various stages of the process, including a single mum, Kosovan immigrant and a bus driver. It takes an average of four years to pass The Knowledge and with a 70% drop out rate any candidate needs a dogged determination to pass and join the ranks of the world’s most elite taxi service.
Who directed The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test?
The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test was directed by Hannah Lowes.
Who stars in The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test?
The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test stars Hayley Squires.
How long is The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test?
The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test has a runtime of 46m (46 minutes).
What genre is The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test?
The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test is a Documentary film.
Where was The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test produced?
The Knowledge: The World's Toughest Taxi Test was produced in United Kingdom.