It would be up to the states whether the standards could be applied retrospectively to current drivers. (The Epoch Times)
Under new national standards agreed to by the nation's transport ministers at the Australian Transport Council meeting in Sydney on Friday, all new taxi drivers will have to pass nine competency tests.
From July 1, drivers will have to pass an English language test, as well as tests to prove their ability to identify local roads and attractions and their ability to calculate fares.
Mr Albanese said most taxi drivers provided a professional service, but the measures would ensure all potential drivers were up to scratch.
"This is an important move forward when combined with issues that have been of concern to passengers, also of concern to the tourism industry," Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney.
"(They) have been developed over a long period of time with Western Australia taking the lead, (and) have now been agreed to by all transport ministers at the national level."
It would be up to the states whether the standards could be applied retrospectively to current drivers, he said.
Mr Albanese stressed that the national standards did not mean the establishment of national licences for taxi drivers.
The transport ministers also agreed on single national regulators for trains, ships and heavy road vehicles.
Seven road safety experts have also been appointed to the National Road Safety Council, as well as four road safety ambassadors.
