New taxi drivers are to undergo mandatory drug testing while established drivers under suspicion of driving under the influence will also have to comply.

The rule is part of new guidelines governing the taxi industry hammered out in talks between Government and drivers.

New applicants for a Public Service Vehicles licence will undergo the drug tests.

If they fail they will be allowed to reapply a year later. They can reapply earlier if they produce a rehabilitation certificate from a credible drug programme showing they are clean.

The code also says: ?All current holders of PSV licences will be required to be tested if there are reasonable grounds to suspect the use of controlled drugs.?

Transport Control Department Director Kevin Monkman said there was already legislation in place which allows Police to request samples of blood or tissue if drivers are suspected of driving impaired.

He said he was not aware of any complaints about cabbies driving while high but that the new measure was a precaution to ensure public safety.

Mr. Monkman said there has been a call for taxi drivers to have random tests but this had been ruled out for now. ?We have to consider that carefully, it has serious implications,? he said.

Random testing would have to be done under strict controls to ensure it was valid, said Mr. Monkman, although he said bus drivers must already do them.

Current taxi licence holders will also be required to be tested if they are involved in a vehicle accident where the use of drugs or alcohol is suspected.

The Transport Control Department will liaise with drug testing companies over methods.

Higher standards will also be required of new drivers who must complete a training course covering Bermuda?s geography, customer service, driver/passenger relations and driver safety.

Those passing will be put on probation for one year during which time their licence can be revoked for the following offences:

Driver is convicted of a serious offence.

Driver is convicted of impaired driving.

Driver fails the breathalyser exam.

Driver is convicted of leaving the scene of an accident.

Drivers is convicted of three or more traffic offences in one year.

The taxi school curriculum will also cover safety training for learning how to head off danger after the report noted an increase in violent attacks on cab drivers.

The report, which has yet to be approved by Cabinet and could spark law changes, also seeks to tighten up taxi inspections.

Powers to sanction cabbies exhibiting anti-social behaviour will also be increased.

Previously drivers went before the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board where they could be let off, warned or suffer suspension or revocation of their licence.

Mr. Monkman said something between the two extremes was being sought. Now there will be a new set of offences subject to fines.

The committee has agreed to have an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decide on such cases. The concept is borrowed from overseas and could be a first for Bermuda, said Mr. Monkman.

The ALJ would be probably be a retired lawyer or judge although other professionals might be deemed suitable.

Mr. Monkman said using an ALJ would remove accusations of bias and favouritism levelled at the board which is now made up of taxi people and lay people.

The new system is intended to improve consistency in decisions.

He said the fines would be levelled on behavioural issues such as being rude to passengers.

Training courses will also address this.

?Everyone recognises there are some drivers in the industry who don?t provide a level of service the industry would like as standard,? said Mr. Monkman.

?The training programme is to recognise that and help weed out people maybe not suited as taxi ambassadors and to weed them out early rather than late.

?If you are not a good people person, you should not be in the business. This is a people orientated business.?