So, let’s cut the nonsense. A good black cab driver in London earns about £35,000 to £50,000 net per year. A great one, working 60-hour weeks and playing the system (airport pre-books, late-night events), might hit £65,000.
A bad driver? They’re struggling to make £25,000, stuck in traffic, cursing Uber and the rain. The median income is probably around £32,000 after all expenses. That’s less than a mid-level office worker, and you have to pass a 4-year exam to do it.
Why do they stay? Because a black cab is a badge of honor. When you see that yellow “TAXI” light on, you know you’re safe. You’re with someone who knows London, not just its postcodes.
Would you buy that for £32,000 a year? For Dave, it’s worth it. But next time you’re in the back, remember: that meter isn’t just ticking for the ride. It’s ticking for years of studying, a mountain of fuel costs, and the sheer grit of keeping a London icon alive. And yes, he still expects a tip.
