TAXI drivers have objected to suggestions they could face an extra driving test before being granted a licence.

Darlington Borough Council is considering introducing a taxi driver test to ensure the town's drivers are competent before they can pick up passengers.

Members of the public and taxi drivers have been asked for their opinions on the proposal which would involve drivers taking an extended driving test.

Although 83 per cent of the public, who were asked, thought the new test was a good idea, 93 per cent of taxi drivers objected to the idea.

Mick Kennedy, chairman of the Darlington Independent Taxi Traders' Organisation, has told the council that the group would not support the idea that all drivers should be retested but would consider another suggestion of a Driver Improvement Scheme being introduced for bad drivers.

The scheme would be introduced for any taxi driver with nine or more points on their license or a history of poor driving.

Drivers taking part in the scheme would have to pay around £150 to take part and would lose up to two days of work while attending the course.

Other drivers, including Tom Bolan of 1 ABC, have suggested that the new Driver Standards Agency test should only be applied to new drivers and those with less than six months experience.

The council is considering introducing the test both for new drivers and those renewing their licences so all taxi drivers would eventually have taken the test.

In a report on the proposal John Buxton, director of development and environment for the council said: "The raising of the standard driving skills for applicants for taxi drivers licences issued by the council would reassure the public and the fare-paying passengers and be of benefit to all road users in Darlington.

"The introduction of the Driver Improvement Scheme would address poor driving habits and benefit taxi users whose safety is the prime concern of the council as a licensing authority."

Darlington Transport Forum will discuss the suggestions at a meting next month and then the comments made by taxi drivers and the public will be considered by the council's scrutiny committee.

Their recommendations will then be voted on by the council and any changes would be in place by the end of the year.