Transport for LondonLicence types
If you want to become a taxi driver, you will need one of two types of taxi driver's licence - All London (Green Badge) or Suburban (Yellow Badge).
All London licence
Drivers with an All London licence can work anywhere in the Greater London area. If you want to work in central London or at Heathrow Airport, you will need an All London licence.
Suburban licence
The suburban area of London is divided into nine sectors as shown below. The sectors are based on borough boundaries and drivers with a Suburban licence can work only within the sector(s) for which they are licensed. Drivers may add additional sectors once licensed.
If you are thinking of becoming a Suburban taxi driver, you will need to make an informed decision on your choice of sector. You should ask yourself the following questions.
- Are there too many drivers in my chosen sector?
- Would I be better off choosing a sector with fewer drivers?
You are strongly advised to find out as much as you can about your chosen sector before applying.
| Area | Boroughs | Knowledge students | Licensed drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enfield, Haringey, Waltham Forest | 105 | 150 |
| 2 | Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge | 414 | 962 |
| 3 | Bexley, Greenwich, Lewisham | 242 | 317 |
| 4 | Bromley | 41 | 257 |
| 5 | Croydon | 71 | 406 |
| 6 | Merton, Sutton | 254 | 576 |
| 7 | Hounslow, Kingston upon Thames; Richmond upon Thames | 327 | 444 |
| 8 | Ealing, Hillingdon | 92 | 300 |
| 9 | Barnet, Brent, Harrow | 116 | 248 |
Figures updated January 2009
