Latest New York City taxi exam requires less knowledge of geography thanks to in-vehicle GPS

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- The test to qualify drivers for New York City cabs is going in a new direction thanks to a device now common in many vehicles.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission says it is shifting the focus of the exam away from geography because drivers can now use GPS to navigate the five boroughs.

AJ Gogia tutors more than 100 students a day on how to become a New York City cab driver.

He grills them on driving rules, safety, city regulations.

But one thing he doesn't teach them is geography. He doesn't have to anymore because the city decided drivers don't need to know directions.

About a month ago, the city Taxi and Limousine commission eliminated geography from the license test, making it much easier for drivers to pass.

There used to be 25 questions on geography, where they had to know city landmarks.

Now those questions have been replaced with questions about safety and just 10 questions remain on how to get around the area.

The TLC says they'll still have to figure those out with a map.