TAXI drivers will benefit from a new system which means they no longer need an MoT certificate.
Last month, Darlington Borough Council obtained a certificate of exemption meaning that private hire or Hackney Carriage taxis licensed by them do not need a separate MoT test.
This means the council's compliance certificate, issued to taxis safe for use by the public, will also cover the equivalent of the MoT.
A council spokesman said: "There are significant benefits to the taxi trade in the council obtaining the certificate of exemption."
He said taxi drivers would not have to apply for a separate MoT test which would save costs and time. Also, they will not have to pay Vat on the compliance check, saving them up to £14 a year.
The council's mechanical and garage facilities had to be examined. The council spokesman said: "The certificate of exemption was only issued after the Vehicle Inspectorate was satisfied that the compliance check on taxis was equivalent or better than the MoT test."
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