MOTOR DRIVERS’ LICENCES

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 183, 30 April 1940, Page 6

MOTOR DRIVERS’ LICENCES

More Rigid Control To Be

Exercised POWER OF CANCELLATION Important; new regulations regarding driving licences are contained iu a Gazette issued yesterday. The main, provisions concern new powers for cancellation. of licences, annual testing of drivers over 70 years of age, special facilities for overseas tourists aud a minimum age of 24 years for taxidrivers. Effect is given, to the recent legislation granting the Commissioner of Transport power to review any driver’s licence. Such a licence may be cancelled for the rest of its term and this fact endorsed on subsequent licences for a period fixed by the Commissioner. There is to be a right, of appeal to a magistrate against the decision, of the Commissioner. This regulation is aimed principally at the accident-prone driver and follows strong recommendations by the Road Safety Council. Persons over the age of 70 years, even though former holders of driver’s licences, will be required to supply, a medical certificate and undergo a driving test annually. Such an annual medical certificate will be necessary in the case of drivers of all public passenger vehicles, including passenger trucks which carry persons for hire or reward. At present a medical certificate is not required from drivers of such trucks. Overseas tourists from, countries which have reciprocal arrangements may now have their overseas licences endorsed without fee by the local authorities at the main ports, thus enabling them to drive in New Zealand without Obtaining separate licences. It will be necessary, however, for. these drivers to undergo an examination in regard to traffic law in this country. Drivers of Taxicabs. A person under the age of 24 years will not be permitted to drive a taxicab unless he is already engaged on this occupation or unless he is over 21 years of age and is approved for the purpose by the Minister of Transport on the recommendation of the local authority concerned. A person under the age of 18 years will not be permitted to drive a truck which is . over two tons weight when laden unless he is already engaged iu driving such a truck. This same age limit applies at present only in the case of drivers of trucks which weigh over two tons unladen weight. Save iu the case of drivers of public passenger vehicles, deafness or imperfect. hearing will not be a bar, in itself, to the issue of a driver’s licence. It will be necessary, however, for an applicant suffering from such a defect, to obtain from a medical practitioner a favourable certificate as to his general fitness to drive a motor vehicle. The regulations regarding overseas tourists and cancellation of licences apply immediately. The remaining provisions will come into force ou June 1.