ABC

Australia's transport ministers have approved a proposal to make taxi drivers pass an English test before they can get their licence.

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says almost everyone has experienced jumping in a taxi only to have the driver not know where to go.

From July next year that will change, with new national standards for taxi drivers to be introduced.

It means drivers will have to pass an English test and have the ability to identify the local roads and attractions before they get their licence.

The changes only apply to new drivers.

The new standards will not mean that drivers will be able to automatically work in different states.