Wannabe taxi drivers in Fife will now have to take a driving masterclass if they want to gain their licence.

A series of half day tutorials have been set up in a bid to improve road safety standards in the profession.

It has been developed on the back of a pilot scheme in which licenced taxi and private-hire drivers were given half day awareness courses.

The course will not feature a set exam and there is no pass or fail level set. However, it is hoped that by taking the course before being granted a licence, prospective cabbies will have a better idea of how to maintain high safety standards.

Fife Police road safety manager Jane Greer said: " It is hoped that a raised awareness of issues such as speeding, use of seatbelt and mobile phones delivered in a way tailored specifically to taxi drivers will help prospective licence holders understand the need for the highest standards of driving."

Councillor Gerry McMullan said: "This is the first such course in Scotland specifically aimed at improving taxi driving and highlighting that we expect our drivers to maintain a high standard of driving and customer care."

He added: "The Licensing and Regulation Committee saw that we could support and help improve standards within the taxi industry and I'm delighted that the taxi companies here in Fife gave their full support.

"Up until a few years ago they were left to their own devises and as an important part of Fife's transport infrastructure we as a local authority had no hesitation in working with the police on improving the situation."