A London family is preparing to usher in its fourth generation of black cab drivers as 19-year-old Harrison Goulding aims to complete the city’s demanding Knowledge test. This step follows a long-standing family tradition that includes his grandfather Dave Goulding, 71, his father Billy, 44, and three uncles — Ronnie and Billy’s twin brother David, 40, and another uncle, Harry, 38 — all of whom have worked as Hackney carriage drivers.

The family’s connection to the taxi industry extends even further back. Shirley Goulding, Harrison’s 93-year-old great-grandmother, contributed by working in a cab shelter, serving food well into her 80s. Ronnie Goulding highlighted that a strong work ethic has been a defining feature passed down through the generations.

Despite growing concerns about the future of traditional black cabs in London amid competition from ride-hailing services like Uber and autonomous vehicle initiatives such as Waymo, Dave Goulding remains optimistic about the viability of the profession. He acknowledged that market challenges require more effort and resilience but insisted that a sustainable living is still achievable.

“My boys have got a lot of enthusiasm. You have to push yourself a bit more and work hard,” Dave said. He also emphasized the importance of sharing practical knowledge within the family, such as tips on fare hotspots and traffic conditions, to maintain a competitive edge.

Dave added that the use of black cabs continues to span across all social and professional groups in the city. “It’s not just people with really good jobs — everybody uses black cabs,” he noted, underlining the enduring demand for the traditional London Hackney carriage service amidst evolving urban transport options.