20 Questions
What did the researchers at University College London find about London cab drivers' hippocampi?
They found that the hippocampi of London cab drivers were larger than average.
How does the text describe the experience of London cab drivers when asked where to go?
An explosion in the brain
What happens to the hippocampus of cabbies when they retire and stop using their spatial mapping regularly?
It starts to shrink back to normal size.
What is the downside of having a big hippocampus according to the text?
Worse at remembering things based on visual information
How does the text describe the effect of memorizing a detailed map of a sprawling city on cabbies' brain?
It takes up the place of other grey matter.
What does earning the credentials to drive one of London’s iconic cabs require?
Knowledge of every street in the city
What is 'The Knowledge' according to the text?
The ability to navigate between any two points in the city
Why is learning the map of London compared to earning a black belt in karate, becoming an Eagle Scout, and vying for admission to Mensa?
It involves mastering a complex urban design
What is the main challenge faced by those aiming to drive a taxi in London according to the text?
Learning every street in the city
What is the timeframe within which very good aspiring taxi drivers can master 'The Knowledge'?
2 years
What is the term for waving down a taxi without calling it?
Hailing
What should you provide when calling a taxi dispatch operator?
The address of your location and destination
What does it mean when a taxi's light is off?
It's already booked
What is the purpose of asking 'Can I schedule a taxi pick up for 5am tomorrow?'
To arrange a taxi for a future time
What is the common question a taxi driver may ask you?
How will you be paying?
What is the purpose of asking 'Do you have a flat fee to the airport?' when taking a taxi?
To inquire about a fixed price for the ride to the airport
What is the significance of knowing the exchange rate and asking 'What’s your exchange rate?' when taking a taxi?
To understand the conversion rate for foreign currency
What does it mean when a passenger says 'Keep the change.' before leaving the cab?
To indicate offering a tip by letting the driver keep the extra money
Why might a passenger ask 'May I have a receipt please?' when leaving the cab?
To obtain a receipt for business purposes
What is implied when a passenger asks 'Do you accept debit?' before starting the journey?
Inquiring about the acceptance of debit cards for payment
Study Notes
London Taxi Drivers
- Researchers at University College London found that London cab drivers' hippocampi are larger due to their extensive spatial mapping and navigation experience.
The Knowledge
- Earning the credentials to drive a London taxi requires mastering "The Knowledge," a detailed map of London that takes very good aspiring drivers 12-18 months to master.
- "The Knowledge" is a rigorous mental map of 25,000 routes and 20,000 landmarks that drivers must commit to memory.
- Learning "The Knowledge" is compared to earning a black belt in karate, becoming an Eagle Scout, or vying for admission to Mensa.
Taxi Experience
- When asked where to go, London cab drivers quickly recall complex routes and landmarks from their mental map.
- The hippocampus of retired cabbies who stop using their spatial mapping regularly tends to shrink.
- A downside of having a large hippocampus is that it may make it harder to adapt to new spatial information.
Taking a Taxi
- "Hailing" a taxi means waving down a taxi without calling it.
- When calling a taxi dispatch operator, provide your pickup location and any special requests.
- A taxi with its light off is not available for hire.
- Asking "Can I schedule a taxi pick up for 5am tomorrow?" is a way to book a taxi in advance.
Paying for a Taxi
- A common question a taxi driver may ask is "Do you want me to take the highway?" or "Do you want me to take a toll road?"
- Asking "Do you have a flat fee to the airport?" helps passengers understand the fare structure.
- Knowing the exchange rate and asking "What’s your exchange rate?" helps international passengers plan their trip.
- Saying "Keep the change" before leaving the cab means the passenger is leaving a tip.
- Asking "May I have a receipt please?" when leaving the cab is useful for expense reports or reimbursements.
- Asking "Do you accept debit?" before starting the journey clarifies payment options.
Test your knowledge of London's intricate street layout and landmarks to see if you have what it takes to become a black belt in navigating the city like a London taxi driver. This quiz will challenge your understanding of 'The Knowledge' required to earn the credentials to drive one of London's iconic cabs.
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