CRITICAL THINKING: Black cab Knowledge still matters in the age of AI, says Curb UK chief
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
The UK head of taxi payment platform Curb has supported the Knowledge of London, arguing that the test plays an important role in preserving critical thinking skills at a time when concerns are growing about the impact of artificial intelligence on learning and decision-making.
Danny Sivanesan, Head of Curb UK, said questions continue to be raised about whether the Knowledge remains relevant in an era dominated by GPS navigation and AI-powered technology. However, he believes the principles behind the qualification remain as important as ever.
Sivanesan said: “Who would have thought that modern black cab drivers would still use a tool invented before the arrival of motors, 150 years ago but the Knowledge has prevailed. With questions swirling around the relevancy of the test in the modern day of GPS and AI, I believe it’s a tradition we need to keep.”
The Knowledge requires prospective London taxi drivers to memorise around 20,000 streets, landmarks and points of interest within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross, alongside hundreds of prescribed routes. Candidates often spend several years studying before qualifying.
According to Sivanesan, the process is about far more than simply learning routes. He described it as developing a mental framework that enables drivers to adapt quickly to changing road conditions and passenger needs without relying on digital navigation tools.
“It’s the muscle memory of where to go on a Wednesday morning if you want to avoid the bin lorries on Lordship Lane. It’s the fact that your brain expands to hold the back-up routes, adapting as the journey unfolds. All while holding a conversation with the passenger asking about what landmark they can see from their window,” he said.
Sivanesan linked the discussion directly to wider concerns about the growing role of AI in society, particularly among younger generations. While much of the public debate has centred on whether AI could weaken problem-solving and analytical skills, he suggested similar questions should be asked about the future training of taxi drivers.
“People are talking about the impact of AI on the next generation’s ability to think critically. I say the same for the next generation of cabbies. We need to maintain the Knowledge; we need to maintain the know-how.”
His comments come as advances in navigation technology continue to shape the transport sector. GPS systems, real-time traffic data and AI-powered route optimisation tools are increasingly used across both the taxi and private hire industries. However, supporters of the Knowledge argue that memorisation and spatial awareness provide benefits that technology cannot fully replicate, particularly when roads are closed, traffic conditions change suddenly or passengers require alternative routes at short notice.
For London’s black cab sector, the debate increasingly centres on whether the Knowledge should be viewed solely as a navigation test or as a wider exercise in developing memory, adaptability and critical thinking skills. Sivanesan’s comments suggests some within the trade see those cognitive benefits as a key reason for preserving the qualification despite rapid advances in AI and digital navigation.
