The drivers in Tynedale will have to answer 50 questions relating to the 850 square mile patch from Hexham and Corbridge to Prudhoe and Haltwhistle.

Tynedale Council says the test will focus on specific areas which taxi drivers should already know. But some cabbies in the area have written to the council, complaining that the test is too wide-ranging.

New taxi drivers will have to pay �10 to take the test and will not be granted a licence unless they pass it.

We want to ensure people who are using taxis are provided with a very good, high-quality service Philip Soderquest, Environmental Health Officer

The fee will be waived for existing cabbies, who will have two years to pass the exam.

The 11 drivers who have written to the council say the test is ill-conceived, adding that if they had that extent of knowledge, they would be the boss of Mensa, rather than taxi drivers.

John Adams has been a cabbie for seven years but only got his plates two weeks ago for working in Hexham.

He said of the test: "It's not fair on me and not fair on existing drivers. I spend a lot of money on my car, medicals and plates.

"Most of the time people tell you where to go and you get to know this and you learn this way."

But Tynedale Council's Environmental Health Officer Philip Soderquest said the council wanted to provide a better service.

He said: "We want to ensure people who are using taxis are provided with a very good, high-quality service.

"The test will look at some specific locations within the district and will focus on certain sites of special interest and tourist areas."

The new knowledge test comes into force on 1 August.