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In London`s famous black cabs, every fare is metered and no driver is allowed to charge more than is on the meter. Plus 99.9% of London black cab drivers are honest, fair, and great conversationalists. You can learn more about London during a ten minute taxi ride in a black cab, than from most of the guide books.Also don't forget to get a photo taken by a friend as you step out. There are three types of taxi in London that you should know about.

Black Cabs (A.K.A. Hackney Carriages)
London's famous black cabs are licensed by the police. The drivers must first show that they are up to the job by spending at least 36 months doing "The Knowledge". They ride around the city on mopeds learning where each and every road leads, even about individual buildings, and particularly what route is shortest between A & B. Whilst they are on "The Knowledge", they are unpaid and they have to go out in all weathers. Only three out of ten candidates actually pass through to become a driver, it is widely considered to be harder than doing a university degree.

Only London black cab drivers have to go through such an exacting process, and it is the Knowledge which makes the London taxi trade so special. Once they have passed the test they are given a badge and can officially ply their cab for hire on London's streets. The price you pay is determined by a meter onboard, which counts time as well as mileage. The vast majority of the drivers are honest, also the meters are accurate; these regularly tested to ensure that they are. Many people seem to strangely believe that the black cabs are responsible for most of the pollution in London. Part of the conditions of fitness for a taxi is to pass a smoke test (as per MOT), and they also have to run the risk of being pulled over in the street for random testing. The buses and lorries are far more likely to be the main culprits in creating pollution.

Mini Cabs
Mini cabs are generally cheaper than black cabs, but you will not find that they have meters in them, you have to take the figure that the driver gives you on trust, so always ask for an estimate in advance!! However, they are not allowed to stop for you on the street, you have to ring them and they will then collect you. Beware therefore of minicab touts in Soho, Theatreland and other busy areas, who will tell you that they have a cab waiting just around the corner; this is an attempt to get around the law.

Mini cab company numbers can be found in the yellow pages. I would say that if you are able to call a mini cab from a reputable company, you will probably get as good a service and probably pay less than if you use a black cab. But you will find that just because one company has the largest advertisement, it doesn't mean that it offers the best quality of service.