A total of 40 taxi drivers in Rossendale have completed adult learning courses to obtain an NVQ qualification in road passenger transport.
They were presented with certificates by councillor Joyce Thorne, mayor of Rossendale, on September 29th 2009.
Those who gained the professional accreditation stand to benefit in a number of ways from their achievement.
As well as being able to provide their clients with a higher level of service and better customer care, they also learned about disability laws.
However, the benefits are not just for those who step into their cabs.
Taxi drivers who completed the NVQ course were also instructed in how to drive efficiently and given tips on how to gain and retain customers.
Another financial benefit of the course is that their insurance premiums will be reduced as a result of the qualification.
Councillor Jimmy Eaton, chair of licensing, commented: "Being a taxi driver is already a professional vocation.
"This qualification gives taxi drivers a professional accreditation which is transferable throughout the passenger transport industry."
He noted that another 30 people are in the process of taking their NVQs in road passenger transport in Rossendale, while a further 70 are on a waiting list for the course.
The NVQ accreditation could prove particularly attractive as there is little or no disruption to work as drivers are assessed while on the job.
Training also takes place during work hours, which means taxi drivers are unlikely to suffer any significant loss of earnings as a result of their studies.
Earlier this year, Stoke-on-Trent City Council made it possible for licensed taxi drivers in the area to enrol on NVQ courses to improve the standards of customer care in the region, the Sentinel reported.
Get qualifications whilst doing your job - see our range of NVQs and speak to your line manager about the benefits of taking an NVQ with learndirect.