It is too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are busy driving taxis - or so goes the joke.

But what if that legendary knowledge was put to the test?

That is exactly what happened when Brighton and Hove's drivers were quizzed on their knowledge of the city yesterday, answering 20 questions about Brighton's roads, routes and history.

But not before they had taken turns to negotiate a tricky obstacle course, parking in tight spaces and weaving around traffic cones.

It was all part of the inaugural Brighton and Hove Taxi Driver of the Year competition.

Andy Charalambous, one of the day's competitors, said: "I didn't do too badly, though I did clip a couple of bollards. But I noticed another driver after me dragged one under his wheel.

"It is a hard course but I'd say I'm about eight out of ten happy with my performance and if I'm not in the top six, I'll be throwing my toys out of the pram."

Michael Doyle, of City Cabs, spent Saturday cleaning his taxi from top to bottom preparing for the event in Madeira Drive, only for his clutch to go during the evening. He took the course in a London Cab instead, but his wife Sue and son Ashley were less than impressed with his performance.

She said: "I'm glad he failed the parallel parking because he's always having a go at me about catching my alloys."

Ashley said: "He could have done better but the cones are too narrow. Still, as it wasn't his car I'll give him the benefit of the doubt."

Tony King, one of the organisers, said: "All these tests will hopefully prove who is the number one driver in Brighton and Hove but it's a bit of fun really.

"The aim is to raise the profile of Brighton and Hove cabbies as they're not all given the praise they deserve.

"These guys give an excellent service to the city and they really care about it."

Money raised from the competition will go to The Argus Appeal and Brighton-based children's charity The Rockinghorse Appeal.

The winner will be announced at a presentation dinner at the Hilton Britghton Metropole on Monday, April 3.

Mr Charalambous said: "It's only our first year and in years to come we'd like it to become quite a big annual affair.

"There are nearly 1,500 licensed taxi drivers in Brighton and Hove and I think only 40 entered today, which is a bit disappointing but I can see it growing.

"Obviously if the sun was shining, it would have been a big bonus."

Details at www.brightontaxi-events.co.uk