What is the knowledge of London?

Consequently, the “Knowledge of London” is the in-depth study of a number of pre-set London street routes and all places of interest that taxicab drivers in that city must complete to obtain a licence to operate a black cab. It was initiated in 1865, and has changed little since.

What was learned from the study involving London taxicab drivers?

In her earliest studies, Maguire discovered that London taxi drivers had more gray matter in their posterior hippocampi than people who were similar in age, education and intelligence, but who did not drive taxis. In other words, taxi drivers had plumper memory centers than their peers.

Do London cabbies still have to do the knowledge?

As taxis can be hailed in the street and asked to go anywhere, taxi drivers must have a thorough knowledge of London. This is why taxi drivers have to learn and pass the world-famous Knowledge.

How did a study of London cab drivers change traditional beliefs about the brain?

The studies also showed that although taxi drivers displayed better memory for London-based information, they showed poorer learning and memory on other memory tasks involving visual information, suggesting that there might be a price to pay for acquiring the Knowledge.

How do black cab drivers learn the knowledge?

Black cabbies must study some 320 routes and 25,000 streets and get to know them all by heart. They also memorise roughly 20,000 landmarks and places of public interest, from tourist destinations to museums, parks, churches, theatres and schools.

How do you increase GREY matter in the hippocampus?

Mental training studies such as working memory training, meditation, and yoga have shown both increased and decreased grey matter volume and/or density in different regions throughout the brain [5, 6, 24, 44–46].

How hard is the Knowledge of London?

The examination to become a London cabby is possibly the most difficult test in the world — demanding years of study to memorize the labyrinthine city’s 25,000 streets and any business or landmark on them.

How long does it take to do the Knowledge?

For as well as being a toothache and a jug of water, the Knowledge is a life-changing task that takes upwards of two years to complete. To memorise the routes and points, you have first to acquaint yourself with them in person (most often on a moped), rather than via a map.

How long does it take to pass the Knowledge?

How hard is the London Knowledge?

The Knowledge, London’s Legendary Taxi-Driver Test, Puts Up a Fight in the Age of GPS. The examination to become a London cabby is possibly the most difficult test in the world — demanding years of study to memorize the labyrinthine city’s 25,000 streets and any business or landmark on them.

How long does it take to do the London Knowledge?

around three to four years
How long is it going to take me to learn the Knowledge? It takes most people around three to four years, although the more time you put in the quicker you’ll pass. Those who choose to study full time have been known to pass the Knowledge in two years. You can also fit it around work, study, or childcare and still pass.

How old can a taxi be in UK?

Between 1 November 2021 and 31 October 2022, vehicles that are older than 12 years will be ineligible for licensing. Transport for London’s (TfL) latest figures, from 31 August 2021, show that 1,228 vehicles will be over 12 years of age and will not be eligible for licensing from 1 November 2021.