A new knowledge test has been introduced to Allerdale Borough Council, which will be completed by all taxi drivers in the area.

This new requirement has recently been implemented to improve the licensing service and act as a further safeguarding measure. The test will be used to assess the drivers’ knowledge of local areas and landmarks before they are given a licence.

A number of council members were first to trial the test under exam conditions before it was rolled out, so they could test the programme.

Joan Ellis, Executive member with responsibility for governance, said: “It’s been great to have a look at the new test. This is part of a raft of changes we’ve made to the taxi licensing service designed to give taxi customers even more reassurance when they use a cab.”