THE chances of a Newport cabbie getting lost or short-changing you will soon be even slimmer - now city councillors have had their way.

All new taxi drivers are to be set tests, to boost their city knowledge, language and number skills.

Newport councillors have agreed that basic English and numeracy tests should be taken by all new drivers of private hire cabs and hackney carriages.

Hackney carriage drivers will also have to sit a 'robust' local knowledge exam.

The test will be similar to The Knowledge, an arduous exam taken by the famously knowledgeable London cabbies.

From places of interest, museums, police stations, hospitals, cinemas, statues and restaurants, The Knowledge is designed to ensure drivers have an intimate knowledge of their city.

Several cabs already have satellite navigation systems to guide them through the streets but all cabbies will be pressed on their knowledge of landmarks and places of interest, not just how to get there.

If they pass they will be awarded a certificate which will then be a compulsory part of their taxi licence application.

Tom Lavender, director of Dragon Taxis, first suggested the tests to Newport council.

He said: "We wholeheartedly welcome this move. "At the moment there are some applicants coming into the trade whose knowledge of English and the area is just not good enough.

"Up until now there hasn't been anything in legislation to stop them applying for a taxi badge, as long as they have a driving licence and no criminal record.

"Now this will make sure the drivers have their basic skills too. We are totally in favour of it."

The move is part of a shake-up of Newport's taxi licensing regulations, which will also mean all new applicants will have to appear in person before the licensing committee.

From 2007 all Newport hackney carriage vehicles will also have to be London-style cabs.

Councillors hope it will make them safer and more recognisable to the public.

Councillor Allan Morris is chairman of the council's licensing committee. He said: "It's our job to ensure the safety of the public and the highest possible standards of service.

"We hope these tests will go some way toward providing the best taxi service we can."