A CABBIE has been left jobless after failing a controversial driving test and being forced to hand over his taxi licence.

Joseph Price, from Whitby Way in Darlington, is faced with bills, mortgage repayments and a family to look after and fears that, at 52, he'll find it hard to land another job.

Despite making a living from driving a taxi for more than 25 years, Mr Price still had to take the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) test.

The father-of-four must now rely on his wife's income as a shop supervisor after handing over his plates to Darlington Council.

The council has come under criticism since introducing the taxi tests in 2002, which new drivers must take as well as those wanting to renew their licences.

Mr Price, who has a 14-year-old daughter living at home as well as three grown-up children, said: "I'm now looking at having to go on the dole.

"I've been told that I can't go back in a taxi until I've passed the test.

"When I came home after they had taken my plates off me, I just sat and cried. I was just thinking 'what am I going to do?'

"How can they take my licence off me after so many years? It's like taking your legs off you," said Mr Price.

"If I'd smashed the car up or run someone over, I would understand them taking my licence off me, but I've done nothing wrong."

Mr Price, who has failed the £58 test four times, said: "I've got a wife and child to support, as well as a mortgage. I've also got credit cards and I still have to pay for the car.

"I'll have to try and get a job, but I'm 52 years old. Who's going to employ me?"

In 2004, taxi drivers took the council to the Magistrates' Court over the test, where it was declared unlawful, only for the ruling to be overturned in the High Court.

Darlington Borough Council were not willing to comment on Mr Price's case, but a spokesman said: "The high court ruled that it was lawful to impose the DSA test.

"Safety for the public is paramount."