A MALVERN taxi firm owner fears his business is at risk if new rules on driver knowledge tests are not scrapped.

Steve Box, of private hire firm Steve's Cars, is angry at Malvern Hills District Council's decision to re-instate tests for drivers on their knowledge of directions.

The council brought back the tests after drivers in Malvern complained of an influx of Worcester drivers taking their business and getting lost on journeys.

All new drivers and those renewing their licence after three-years must sit the test, but Mr Box, of Fruitlands, says established private-hire drivers should not be included.

He said private hire drivers arrange pick-up and drop-off points before each journey, so can plan their route in advance.

"The test contains questions on Tenbury Wells, which is 25 miles away, " said Mr Box, of Fruitlands.

"We rarely go out there, and even some of our drivers who have been driving for many years might fail the test on not knowing some of the streets or pubs there."

Drivers are allowed three attempts to pass the test or they will not have licenses renewed.

"I have three cars at the moment and if I lose any of my drivers, it could put my company in jeopardy," added Mr Box. "It could spell devastation to a lot of companies."

Shirley Smith, whose son Alistair runs Smith Taxis, of Barnards Green, said: "Lots of our drivers have been driving for more than ten years, so they know their way around the area very well.

"For new drivers, it's a must, to make sure they know their directions but our drivers feel it's a bit of a bind to have to take it every three years."

Phil Browning, district council licensing officer, said: "The taxi drivers asked for the test, so we're just responding to requests.

"The pass rate for the current test is about 98 per cent, so there's no reason for lots of people to fail."