The Knowledge

Passing 'the Knowledge', the London cab drivers' test, has been compared to studying for a law degree

Passing 'the Knowledge', the London cab drivers' test, has been compared to studying for a law degree.

The candidates must memorise all of London's 25,000 roads and 100,000 landmarks and pass a nerve-wracking four-stage exam to earn their badge, which, on average, takes four years.

'It's the longest job interview ever,' says one examiner.

But with fierce competition from satnavs and minicabs, will the tradition survive? 'The Knowledge changes lives,' says Paul, 43. 'You're not just a cabbie, you're a gentleman of the city.'