GPS and London TAXI
Wed, 11/11/2009 - 4:30am
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 17 years
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So I was in London England several years ago and was aware that the London Taxi drivers hold onto something they call "The Knowledge". In order to get a taxi license they need a complete working knowledge of all the roads in and around greater London. So here is my question. Does anybody know if that is still true or have GPS's replaced this long standing tradition?
Bob
Another question
So I was in London England several years ago and was aware that the London Taxi drivers hold onto something they call "The Knowledge". In order to get a taxi license they need a complete working knowledge of all the roads in and around greater London. So here is my question. Does anybody know if that is still true or have GPS's replaced this long standing tradition?
Bob
I can't answer your question but ask you this, would an american holding a gps insult an english taxi drivers knowledge of cities and roads or would he welcome comparing knowledge challenge.
Another Answer
Perhaps the American would be able to challenge the taxi driver for taking him way out of his way to pad the fare - but I'd hope he'd be properly polite in the negotiation!
Fred
I think that the first
I think that the first question, refered to The question, Is GPS going to take over tradition of the Knowage test? I would hope that the knowleage system would remain as the bases of getting you permit, then you could use the GPS as needed. If the GPS fails, you continue on your route, with the knowleage test.
How many of us use our GPS everyday for routine travel, and then when we leave it at home, have to really think about how we are going to get there, even if we've been there dozens of times?
Bob
Once in awhile
How many of us use our GPS everyday for routine travel, and then when we leave it at home, have to really think about how we are going to get there, even if we've been there dozens of times?
Bob
I for one, never take my gps with me for routine trips. I travel 25 miles on highways to work. There are times when traffic is backed up and I wish I had my gsp. When it happens I usually wing it along roads I rarely travel if at all, and an idea of the direction to travel.
Sorry I can't answer the exact question either...
but, I watched a news magazine show many years ago that did discuss "the knowledge." During the segment, they showed how prospective cabbies would have to ride the test routes on bicycles while their mentors would drive behind them!
NEOhioGuy - Garmin 2639, MIO Knight Rider, TomTom (in Subaru Legacy), Nuvi 55, DriveSmart 51, Apple CarPlay maps
Possibly not
Here's a website that supplies large scale atlas of Britain
It reads in part
"Today A-Z supplies maps to Knowledge Schools across London as folded paper, flat sheet and laminated maps so that the black cab drivers of the future can reach the high standard Londoners and visitors alike have come to expect from them."
http://www.a-zmaps.co.uk/?nid=380
Drivesmart 66, Nuvi 2595LMT (Died), Nuvi 1490T (Died), Nuvi 260 (Died), GPSMAP 195
Good Maps
I think the US should follow their lead and have that for fire and police as well.
johnm405 660 & MSS&T
Yes, they still have to do
Yes, they still have to do the knowledge. For most people it takes between two to three years to gain enough "knowledge" to pass and obtain their licence.
Tradition
In a way I'm pleased to hear that they still use "The Knowledge". Sometimes we get hooked on tech and can't function without it. I wonder how school kids would handle multiplication tables and spelling without tech aids. Learn the knowledge first and then have technical support standing by.
Bob
Robert Woodcock