80 Runs Self Assessment – Lessons Learned
I had my 80 run self assessment of the London Taxi Knowledge last week in the new PCO offices at the Palestra Building in Southwark. I had spent the previous week trying to get all my blue book into my head for the first 80 runs and thought I was fairly well ready.
New PCO offices at the Palestra Building
I made my way there on the tube with plenty of time in case of problems. I had time for a coffee and a bit of last minute revision at the cafe opposite. Once inside and issued with a name badge, you wait downstairs before being taken up to the 4th floor. There were around 16 Knowledge Boys (no girls) and then we were made to wait before Madame Ayres one of the examiners took us along to a classroom. Once in there it turned out there were a few guys who had been redlined from their 56′s and were expecting a full map test. Once she checked with someone they were told to stay and take this and then reapply for the full 320 run map test.
We were given a hour to complete 5 runs and then identify a road and two points in 10 different maps. We would then be marking our own runs with 8 points for each of the runs for a total of 40 points. The map test was two points for each of the 10 roads and 20 points correctly identified for a total of 60 points.
The runs we were asked were Knatchbull Road to Surrey Quays Station(Run 10), Sumner Street to Mostyn Road(Run 33), Southwark Bridge to Goldsmiths Row (Run 41), Turnham Green Station to Oxford Gardens (Run 28) and then Fortune Green Road to South Grove (Run 73). I did fine on the first four runs and then drew a blank on how to start the last run. I knew I needed to get over to Frognal and Lower Terrace but I could not get it started. So I took it up the Finchley Road then North End Road! The map test we had we all the end points of the 5 runs and I struggled on a couple of them especially around Ladbroke Grove where I had not pointed St Charles Hospital and Ladbroke Grove Station. I was also not specific enough when placing a few points. I need to start using my larger scale maps when I do my notes as the small ones in my runs book do not allow you to be very specific.
This attention to detail when finding points is what I took away from this as one of my weaknesses and also that I need to be calling the Blue Book fully every day. I will not forget Parsifal Road, Heath Drive and Redington Road ever again. I also plan to do more of the map tests and special sessions that I get emailed from Knowledge Point. I normally just look them over on my phone and I will now print them and do some in exam conditions at home. Lastly I need to get myself a large laminated map and sit in front of it when calling over so I can see the routes on the map.
I am glad in a way that the guy who scored best is doing the knowledge the Knowledge Point way. I cannot see how anyone doing Wizzan would score on the map tests if they are only doing the runs initially and then getting the points afterwards. It may be taking me longer to get through the runs, I have now done 119 runs in 20 weeks, which means I will be done with the Blue Book in about a year after starting the Knowledge.
Hi, love your blog. I am at roughly the same stage as you, but your KP and I am Wizann. I’m not going into the pros and cons of both ways, but I will point one thing out.
The 80 run PCO test, which is self marked is there to ensure you that you are completing the knowledge in the correct way, that is to say that you understand what you are learning. However, KP want you to learn everything in one go, and as been shown by yourself you struggeled on the runs alone. Therefore, from a learning point of view, it is more sensible to complete the runs, then the points. Yes the 80 run test in it’s current format will not be passed by many Wizzan students, but the test is out of date and has no relevence on how good a student you are. For example, the hospital you had to point was asked 9 times in the last calander year, 4@28 and lower. Therefore, given the number of students/appearances, the odds of you getting asked that point before a 28 app are in the millions. Therefore it’s wasted time.
Keep uo the good work
Hi Sparky,
I must admit I am torn between which is the best way at this stage. The lady examiner did say they wanted people to do the 1/4 mile radius as it gets people ready for the map test quicker. She then said that students doing the Wizann way do catch up once they start pointing so there is nothing in it at the end. Without mentioning Wizann, she said she did that method.
I think for all of us that are passionate and love doing the K we want to get as much in our heads as quickly as possible and get through it. I must admit there are times when looking for obscure points I would rather just be cracking on and getting on the road.
Good Luck
Hi,
Just discovered this blog and its great!
I am expecting to get my appointment for the 80 run map test as I sent off my letter last week.
How long do they take to reply and give you a date, I have been waiting almost a week and a half now.
I am doing things the wizann way and I am very good with the runs I think, the points I think will be my downfall, I just don’t think the radius maps in the wizann book are very accurate…
I was thinking of starting a site like this up my self with the use of google maps to show the runs – no need to now!! Keep it up!!
just had my talk last thurs.that took 6 mounths from when i app.the man at the talk said they have been getting a lot of people getting routes right but missing a lot of points.josh, you might not get called for your map test for anouther 2=3 mounths,as i heard one of the examener say thats how long its takeing. from when you app.i am also doing wiz and i have done the 1st 80.but now i have to go back and look at radius for points.wish i took time to look in the 1st place.got some along the way,never knew i had to do any in the radius at the start,.oh well .
hi again
Still no news on the app.
Got module 2 now and the new wizann maps are much clearer!!
I did some searching of points when I did the runs the first time, and then revisted every radius in convenience order later using sections of runs to get between them going all over london and I think that has polished off mod 1 for me nicely. Much more confident now!
Getting going with mod 2 runs now. I do em on google maps first. saves me getting lost out there when the road names are obscured.
Im thinking of taking VR and applying for the Knowledge…Can anyone tell me how long it takes for intro talk following orig application…
Hello Kevin,
I have heard that the intro talk has been scrapped. Also the 80 run test is not mandatory. If you get accepted then do your runs etc. and apply for the map test within 2 years when you are ready.
Cheers!
Hi, love the site, love the content.
I am new to doing the knowledge, hoping to start my first runs in the next week.
I have read so much info from all over the web, that i cant seem to find focus and find a starting point.
Example some of the Abbreviations used-L xxxxxx road then R on xxxx road
means LEFT xxxxxx road and RIGHT on xxxxx road? ok, but what does com mean?
would it be possible to do a list explaining how to start, and how to write down the runs and points in an order.
secondly, it must be me being thick but how do you read the point sheets from knowledge point and do i need them, daily or weekly?
i know your busy but if you could help out that would be great
Good luck and all the best for 2011
Eddie
great stuff people, im applying to do the knowledge , got the forms just need to send them off,can anyone tell me how long it takes from sending off ur application to actually getting accepted to start the K? cheers
Hello Harry,
It took about a month after I submitted all the forms and then got a letter from the PCO. That was in December 2009.
Cheers!
Hi Harry, I put in my application in Aug/Sept and am still waiting!
The talk has been scrapped and they now send out a pack. They said they were sending mine out last monday, i am still waiting!
They apparently had a big backlog after moving to PALESTRA House so may get quicker.
I’m raring to go, perhaps speak agin on this great site
Regards
Hello there!
I’m about to start my first 80 runs.Does anybody know is it possible to get through Knowledge without call-out partner?At least at the early stages?
Cheers
hey tom
it is possible just got to have good self discipline and call over everyday ! religious !
you dont have to wait to be accepted before you start guys as long as your crb is ok as far as you know i would crack on whilst your application is in.
hello new to this so bear with me. i done the first 20 runs and finding it quiet easy,but not doing points yet. my mate a cab driver and he said do runs first then do points. is this the best way.
Hi Allan,
There is no best way to do the knowledge. Just find a way that works for you. Knowledge Point do the runs and the 1/4 mile radii at the same time, Wizann advocate doing the runs and then getting the points later. Personally I think the answer lies somewhere inbetween both schools. I am doing KP and find myself looking for very small points that will probably never be asked but this forces you to explore around the main point. The points are cleverly arranged to get you thinking.
I think that getting the roads into your mind and overlaying them with a few major points along the way works well. I am not revising my points at this stage other than reading back through my books.
Good Luck with the knowledge.
Hi all.
Firstly, cracking site. wish it loaded faster! Glad your feeling better. Just been advised the self assessment is no longer compulsory either but as posted earlier I’m doing it the Wizann way which means if I do go and they point me, no way will I pass!
It’s a confusing mistress is The Knowledge!
hello
can any one advise me on which off the blue book runs is best to buy the knowledge point 1/80 or the wizzan 1/80 .I’m just starting any help will be great.
just started,
is it best once we find a point, to find the shortest way back to the run as well
an wright every road down from the point for referance 8x points either end is a lot of roads!………this is what i`ve been doing so far, any one else do this ,,, also i work full time but part time doing knowledge any advice from finished taxi driver appreciated
cheers
just done the first 80 runs and have picked up some major points. still lack some minor points. got my first ass soon and just wondered what going to happen. bit nervous dont want to look like a fool.runs easy but points hard. help.
also looked at some runs and they are different to the way im doing it (wizann) does this matter?
Hi Paul,
There is a mix of views on how many notes to take. Some say dont take any, other say take copious amounts. You sound like you are doing the knowledge the right way and it depends if you can remember everything you do when you are out and about. I personally cannot remember everything and I do take notes. Knowing how to get back to a main road is important for all points, then just pick pieces of BB runs to get you around London.
Good Luck
hi guys,i am about to submit my application but i lost my buisennes last year and i was dipressed so i was taking anti depresant tablet which i have stoped,dose it affects my application?your advise will be grat
Hi All ! I started the K 2 months ago ,Went to the famous Wizann Thursday talk ,and found it interesting,was enthusiastic motivated and couldnt wait to get a moped and go for it, spoke to load of people doing the knowledge before and they all said it was HARD, but hey this is another level! have completed 80 runs in 2 months , i now eat ,drink and Sleep it,My partner deserves a medal for putting up with me when calling out .i turn into some kind of monster lol .Dean at wizann suggested not to learn points till you have completed all 320 runs just pick up the odd point on the way,So im going with what he says,Starting bluebook 2 and i gotta say my green badge still seems a million miles away ,The only advice i can give anyone is what a get told by cabbies when doing my runs is DONT GIVE UP ! I read somewhere : nobody ever fails the Knowledge they just give up ..So Good Luck All and will see you on the streets of London !! Mikey
Oh Yeah Great Site Mate.
Mikey
To those debating over KP or Wizzann, I say mix the Two methods, coming from a family of Taxi Drivers, I think the old fashion way is best.
For example arrive at Manor House, Stop Look around in the surrounding area and write down 4 to 5 points, do the route marking down any Major points of interest along the way, Stop at Gibson Square and do the same. If the area is obscure have a little drive around to get the know the area. But not a 1/4 mile.
I did my first 20 runs the KP way and found it was too much and it was taking too long and you can only take so much in information before you start going mad, no matter how much you drive around and try to learn. To begin with the route should come first and then the points. The routes all criss cross, so by doing it this way you will pick up a lot of points along the way and then when you have done your 320 runs, you can top up on the points that you may have missed. Thats my strategy anyway
Good Post Ted. My COP is a Wizann student, I am KP and mixing them together really helps.
Good Luck