Heavy Trailers Will Require New Class Of Licence

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 42, 1 June 1965, Page 4

Heavy Trailers Will Require New Class Of Licence

A new class of heavy trailer licence, to take effect on June 1, has been introdueed by the Transport Department. It will be required by any person who tows an implement, caravan or other trailer (including an articulated, pole or jinker trailer) which together with any load on it weighs over 2\ tons. The holder of an existing articulated licence will automatically be granted a heavy trailer licence and therefore needs to take no action to secure one. Those drivers who do not hold a|L articulated licence but who* wish to retain the right to tow^ a heavy trailer behind any other kind of vehicle have until December 31 next to sign a statement certifying that they have had experience in towing a heavy trailer, and to carry | out a practical driving test to demonstrate their ability.

This will he a free test and if passed the local authority will extend the licence to include the new class of heavy trailer licence. As in the case of the power cyclist those actions must be completed before December 31. If not the driver will not be legally entitled to tow a heavy trailer after that date and if he then decides that he wishes to do so he would be treated as a new applicant and would have to pass all the tests for a new licence. The holder of a passenger service vehicle licence is at present permitted to drive a heavy truck as a passenger service vehicle whether or not he holds a heavy trade motor licence. A driver in this category who wishes to continue to drive a heavy truck as a passenger vehicle after December 31 has until that date to eertify that he has had experience in doing so and may ohtain a free practical driving test. On passing the test the local authority would extend his licence to include "heavy trade motor."