10 rules to driving a black cab

1. Be unpredictable so as to keep other road users and pedestrians on their toes
   
2. Signalling should be done sparingly.
   
3. When signalling, do so after moving off / making a turn.
   
4. To pick up or drop off, on no account use indicators. You may use hazard lights, but only after pulling over.
   
5. If a U turn is desired, drift slowly to the left and then execute the turn quickly, making sure that if you are signalling it is opposite to the direction of the turn.
   
6. When passing other vehicles and especially cyclists, do not wear out the steering mechanism by moving over to give too much room. An inch or two is all that is necessary.
   
7. Taxis are permitted to stop in the green box at traffic lights.
   
8. At Give Way junctions and if you are making a right turn, remember that you do not have to give way. Also remember Rule 2.
   
9. Mirrors are only attached to your vehicle because the factory put them there. A manoeuvre is usually sufficient to warn others.
   
10. And remember the golden rule: Manoeuvre, signal, mirror.
    

I gave way to a cab yesterday. He was very grateful. And a little bit shocked.

I normally have a pretty good experience with Black Cabs, not all, but most. *

I gave way to a black cab swerving over 2 lanes to get to a fare. I got a cheerful thanks and wave which I returned. They're all just trying to make a living.

*but some mini cabs on the other hand.....

i got stuck behond a black cab this morning. he stopped to let someone cross a pedestrian crossing then just sat there staring vacantly ahead when the road was clear. i went round the side and peered in the window but he just sat there. i rode off as the horns from the two other black cabs stuck behind him started tooting. thought i'd better make myself scarce in case he went all "falling down".

Rule 10 has been my little piss-take of cabbies in the past, when they have really been wankers and I've had a chance to speak to them: "you do realisedd that it's 'Mirror-Signal-Manoevre', and not the other way round?"

Rule 11
On no account pick up any darkies.

Rule 12. Cyclists' ears have evolved to filter out taxi beeps; they only respond to "waaaannnnkkkeeeerrrr" being yelled out of the window at them.

Rule 13. See Rule 11.

I normally have a pretty good experience with Black Cabs, not all, but most. *

I gave way to a black cab swerving over 2 lanes to get to a fare. I got a cheerful thanks and wave which I returned. They're all just trying to make a living.

*but some mini cabs on the other hand.....
+1
if you actually shoulder check and make yourself aware to them you are generally fine. if you ride like a cock or have no bike skills, then fair game.

Yep, minicabs and pedicabs are the evil ones

I agree, most drive with care, when you cycle with care around them.

rule 14. switch off your hire light if you see any darkies.

i lol'd

i'm still looking for that thread on sick riding skills like skids and stuff

1. darkies = no
   
2. south of the river = no
   
3. guess who i had in my cab last night = not one of them darkies.
   

I normally have a pretty good experience with Black Cabs, not all, but most. *

I gave way to a black cab swerving over 2 lanes to get to a fare. I got a cheerful thanks and wave which I returned. They're all just trying to make a living.

*but some mini cabs on the other hand.....

if you're following / filtering a cab keep an eye on whether they've got a fare. if not they're gonna do something unpredictable

I believe that most cabs are driven decently, and because they are on the road a lot, they really appreciate it when you let them in or whatever...but what pisses me off is that when in the wrong, they never accept responsibility...

1. Use a bus lane until it's blocked by a bus then barge straight out into the rest of the traffic.

2. Beware of white vans seeking revenge when appying rule 18.

Why the fuck you narrow it to just cab? there's bad drivers, regardless of what vehicle they're in, we just happen to notice a black cab and see them everyday, giving us the impression that every single one of them are bastard.

Has anyone else noticed alot of cabs seem to drive around with there parking lights on... whats all that about?

Has anyone else noticed alot of cabs seem to drive around with there parking lights on... whats all that about?

don't get

In times of economic hardship, insurance claims by taxi drivers increase. The reasons have been investigated by insurers. While intuitively one might assume that fraud is the cause, it is not. Apparently, it appears that in times of recession, taxi drivers spend longer between fares, plying for hire and when they do so, their eyes are often averted from the road to the pavement, looking for fresh fares.

In other words, be careful out there. While taxi drivers are very experienced drivers, at times such as these, their focus may not be on your safety.

sorry, just the way you phrased it reminded me of seinfeld.

sorry, just the way you phrased it reminded me of seinfeld.

weirdly, the first seinfeld routine that came up when i googled it just now is about cab drivers.

Hah! My thoughts exactly!

black cabs are cool. very rarely have any problems with them.

minicabs are the ones you have to watch out for. worst drivers in London, without a doubt.

Brilliant!