London Taxi Cabbies: Info and Tips
London Cabbies
When you travel in any large city you’ll need transportation! In London you have lots of choices – the tube is a fun and very efficient choice and the buses are double decker. Those are fun choices that you’ll want to experience with the kids, but don’t dare miss the opportunity to take a black London cab. Why are London cabbies so extra special? They don’t use GPS. Instead, they spend years learning every single street….landmarks and details of the London area. This is an extra cool tidbit and something cool to discuss with the kids while you are waiting for a cab. Ask them if they would like this job!
London Taxi Cabbies have bigger brains!
London Taxi Cabbies are some of the most interesting taxi cab drivers in the world because they do not use GPS or maps. Instead, in order to receive the green badge, displayed in all London taxi cabs, and become a London taxi cab driver, you must pass the Test of Knowledge.
THE Test of Knowledge
This intimidating sounding test is not simple memorization as we know it for tests and classes. Studying for the test of all tests, called The Knowledge, takes years. London Taxi Cabbies must memorize ALL 25,000 streets and the locations of 20,000 landmarks within a six mile radius of Charing Cross and learn 320 routes between them.
Those studying for the test are called Knowledge Boys or Girls and often are seen around the city on scooters. On average, it takes 3 years to study for and pass the exam.
Cabbies have been pitted against GPS and other computer programs and so far…cabbies always win. They are quite proud of their ability to set routes in their head within seconds.
Increased brain power
The study for this test is so intense that their brains actually change from all the knowledge. Did you catch that? Their brains actually CHANGE. The section of the brain that is responsible for spatial navigation, the hippocampus, is much larger in experienced taxi cabbies than in the general public. AND the longer the taxi cabbie has been driving, the larger that part of the brain becomes.
This is especially interesting to researchers because it is an example of increasing the brain in adulthood. Â Most research on brain changes had been done on children so researchers find this group of taxi cabbies especially interesting because all information required for taxi driving is learned in adulthood.
Those who finally succeed and pass the knowledge test have a tradition of the first fare…their first riders are taken free of charge.
Could you take the Test of Knowledge? Would you? Whether or not you are interested in becoming a cabbie, remember this….you can increase your brain power! You can actually increase your brain size! The brain is a muscle so exercise it and strengthen it by learning and exploring!
Increase YOUR child’s knowledge of things in London with my Travel Guide on London written JUST for Kids! This activity filled guide is fun for the plane ride over to London. Get your kids ready for the trip so they’ll remember it and grow their brains in the process!
Tips for using Taxi Cabbies in London:
How to Pay for your cab ride.
Cash is no longer king in the black taxi cabs. Now you can use these forms of payment: cash, card, and contactless payment.
How to hail a cab properly.
It is illegal to yell ‘TAXI’. Perhaps the English are too civilized for that? If you yell ‘taxi’ they will not stop for you. Instead, stick out your arm when the taxi is approaching. Only the ones with the ‘taxi’ sign lit are ready for passengers. When the taxi stops, tell the driver where you want to go, BEFORE getting in.
London Taxi Cabs are Accessible to All.
Not only are ALL London taxi cabs handicapped accessible, they will also take assistance dogs at no charge.
Which to choose: black taxi cab or mini cab?
Black Taxis can be hailed on the street while mini cabs can only be reserved ahead of time. Black Taxis are a little more expensive than mini cabs but are a fascinating part of the London experience as your driver is incredibly knowledgable!
If you head to London you’ll want LOTS of information to create the trip of a lifetime for your family!
Read more!
CLICK HERE – TWEENS in London
CLICK HERE – Top things to see in London with the family
CLICK HERE – Read kids’ books about London before vacation!
Happy Travels,
Natalie, The Educational Tourist
Cafes for cab drivers … feels like an exclusive membership
I guess it is! With all the work to get in…they deserve a spot to have a spot of tea, right? 🙂
Hats off to the London cabbies for being so professional and learning what they have to to do thei jobs properly. I have been in several cabs where the drivers got lost, but not on London.
Isn’t it amazing??
Thanks Natalie! Such a great little read about an iconic part of the London fabric!
I am fascinated that their brain actually changes. Amazing! Thanks for the comment!
Yeah, pretty crazy! Where did you pull the information from?
Research online from all over. It was fun to study this topic. I found it fascinating!
When I was living in London I used to see these people studying away on their scooters, and I can tell you…that I would probably NOT pass. aahahh ever.
LOL! LOL! Me neither! I have trouble reading maps and am permanently attached to GPS!
That is really cool Natalie ! I have recently had some bad experiences with misguided GPS instructions, so I would pick the cabbie every time. Very interesting post.
I have, too here at home! Wild goose chase! Thanks for your comment.
Fascinating, especially the part about their brain changing. Evey city should have such high standards for cab drivers. Instead both cabbies and UBER drivers rely on GPS- and yes using that all the time changes your brain as well (and I am not sure it is for the better!)
Interesting…had not considered how using GPS would change our brain. I wasn’t good at reading maps before GPS and I’m pretty sure I am ever worse now without the practice!
I can’t believe their brains actually change. That is an incredible and really inspiring fact. Amazing to think what the human mind is capable of. Fascinating – thanks for sharing :).
When I started traveling in Europe, I actually wanted to apply as a cab driver! They are amazing. They know everything and I believe they undergo a very extensive training. London is pretty much successful in this department. I’ve never seen any drivers like these.
Total fail for me! I’ve always wanted to know more about the cabbies test and here is the post to tell me!
That’s amazing! The brain – so many awesome capabilities and mysteries about it!
This is such a neat read! I definitely wouldn’t be a good candidate, but my other half, Macrae, would totally be great at this! I rely on him for all our “mapping” when we travel. (Unless it’s metro travel). Would love to be the first ride for one of these cabbies – but meeting any would spark some great conversation!
LOL! I wouldn’t get past the first five minutes of training. I’m not the map reader in the family either, but try to give the kids all the practice I can so they can feel comfortable using it. I would love to hear from someone who had the pleasure of being the first ride!! Thanks for stopping by and sharing!