A CABBIE who has failed a controversial driving test and notched up two speeding convictions in as many years, has been given a new taxi licence.

John Moore, who has been a taxi driver in Darlington for 14 years, was given a 12-month licence yesterday, despite failing the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) test.

He appeared before Darlington Borough Council's licensing committee after being caught driving about 60mph in a 50mph limit, on the A66 heading into Middlesbrough, in January.

His first conviction was in April 2003, when he was caught driving 55mph in a 30mph zone.

Mr Moore told the council he was normally very careful, but had a lot of things on his mind.

However, he did not miss the opportunity to criticise the borough council's policy on the DSA's taxi driver test.

The council made the test compulsory for drivers applying for new and renewing old licences.

The decision was not popular among drivers, who refused to take the test and with the backing of union Amicus took the council to the magistrates' court, where the test was declared unlawful.

This decision was overturned in the high court and from April, all drivers applying for new licences must have a DSA test pass certificate.

Mr Moore said: "I am all for safety, but I don't agree with the test."

Mr Moore operates his business from the Durham Tees Valley Airport.