TAXI drivers are to be given English tests under radical new moves to improve public safety.

They will be refused licences if they fail the oral exam, which will be scored.

Town hall bosses say that some drivers whose first language is not English cannot properly explain the licence conditions under which they drive. This is compulsory when they seek a licence, as well as a knowledge test of the area.

The test will be drawn up after talks with the Racial Equality Council and brought in for new drivers from next year.

The rules also include age limits for vehicles. No cars, public or private hire, will be licensed if they are more than ten years old, and those more than six years old will have to undergo three tests a year.

New applicants must have three years driving experience with no accidents or endorsements.

The council is still determined to phase out saloon cars among the public hire vehicles, which it says will give disabled people a better service.

But they have delayed introducing the policy until next March so that officers can draw up specifications on what type of vehicles would be acceptable, as long as they can take wheelchairs.

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