Taxi driver jobs are not being filled because the fees for extra qualifications are so high.

Brighton and Hove City Council introduced new rules meaning taxi drivers have to complete a BTEC qualification, costing £250.

Drivers already have to pay up to £200 for the knowledge test of the city’s road, £90 for a private medical examination and £69 to the Driving Standards Agency for their licence.

Barry Levene who runs the Knowledge School, in New Church Road Hove, training Brighton and Hove cabbies jobs could not be filled because new drivers have to sit “degree style” examinations before they start work.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “All new taxi and private hire drivers in the city are now required to take a BTEC level two course before starting work.

“The BTEC is a nationally recognised and professional qualification which was introduced at the beginning of October.

“The course takes two days to complete and costs £250. Drivers can pay the fees over a three month period once they start training.”