Cabbies have been celebrating after gaining nationally recognised qualifications.

Staff of Intack and Central Private Hire in partnership with the Private Hire Association of Birmingham celebrated the end of their QCF/NVQ programme by presenting certificates to Private Hire learners.

The NVQ Certificate in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving has been developed to enable learners to demonstrate their skills as professional drivers within the Taxi and Private Hire industry.

The Private Hire Association and the Taxi Drivers Associates are now part of a wider national group called the National Institute of Professional Drivers (NIPD).

As well as being the standard setters for the industry nationwide, the NIPD is committed to support all professional drivers by providing a very large range of services that include: Legal Services, Account Services, Accident Management Services, Vehicle Maintenance and Financial Services.

They are also specialists at providing advice, guidance and support in the following areas: Licensing, Enforcement, Vehicle MOT and committee hearings.

The NIPD/Private Hire Association and insurance underwriters have been working in partnership to secure an arrangement that will see individual drivers receiving an unbelievable 25% discount on their annual taxi insurance policy. They are hoping to encourage more drivers to take advantage of their annual membership.

For further information you may call 0121 6666777, www.privatehireassociation.co.uk or www.nipd.org.uk