The brain of a London cabby

This article may come as something of a shock to most Americans who are mostly familiar with American taxi drivers.

Satellite navigation systems can stunt your brain, preventing it from developing, according to scientists. They have discovered that taxi drivers have actually grown more brain cells because of all the knowledge they keep in their heads.

When the scientists compared the brains of taxi drivers with those of other drivers, they found the cabbies had more grey matter in the area of the brain associated with memory.

In London, the process of becoming a taxi driver is long and arduous. Every cabby needs to pass a test showing that he has memorized all the streets and locations in the city. In the U.S. the taxi driver barely needs a driver's license. According to this piece, the process of learning the locations requires an average of four years!

Route finding skills for taxi drivers
As taxis can be hailed in the street with no advance warning of where a passenger might want to go, a taxi driver must have a thorough knowledge of the capital. It is for this reason that taxi drivers have to learn the world famous 'Knowledge'.

If you want to be an All-London taxi driver you will need a detailed knowledge of all the streets and places of interest in central London with a more general knowledge of the major arterial routes throughout the rest of London.

If you choose to apply for a suburban licence you will be required to have a detailed knowledge of your chosen sector along with a more general knowledge of central London.

Once you have studied your chosen area you will be tested on your knowledge by PCO examiners in a series of examinations.

How long it takes to complete the Knowledge is dependent on your ability, effort and commitment. On average, it takes four years to be licensed as an All-London taxi driver, two years for a Suburban driver. However, many applicants complete the Knowledge much quicker than this. This may seem like a long time but the rewards to be gained once you are licensed make it worthwhile.

You can apply to start learning the All-London Knowledge from the age of 18. Suburban applicants cannot apply until they are 21.