In which city is the iconic black cab most commonly found? London. London’s black cab is one of the city’s defining sights, alongside red buses, Underground signs, and crowded historic streets. In British usage, these vehicles are hackney carriages: licensed taxis that can usually be hailed on the street or found at a rank.
The tradition is much older than the motorcar. Public carriages for hire have operated in London since at least the 17th century, while motor taxis appeared in the city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although London taxis became strongly associated with black paint after the Second World War, black is a tradition rather than an absolute legal requirement; some cabs use advertising or special liveries.
A common mix-up is confusing a black cab with a minicab. London black-cab drivers may pick up passengers who hail them, while private-hire minicabs generally must be booked in advance. Drivers of London’s licensed taxis are also famous for passing “The Knowledge,” a demanding test of the capital’s streets and landmarks. Other cities have London-style taxis, but London remains their canonical home.