TESTS FOR DRIVERS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29454, 4 March 1961, Page 10

TESTS FOR DRIVERS

Uniformity To Be Sought (H.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. March 3. A special committee is being set up to formulate a standard' test for drivers' licences in New Zealand, and to examine other matters concerning the procedure in issuing licences. Announcing this today, the Commissioner of Transport (Mr A. E. Forsyth) said the first meeting of the committee was expected to be held in Wellington next month. The committee will comprise representatives of the Transport Department, Municipal Association, Counties’ Association, Traffic Institute. Drivers’ Federation, commercial transport operators, the Auto Cycle Union and the North and South Island Motor Unions. At present, testing for C rivers’ licences is carried out y officers of the Transport Department and certain local authorities. “By defining a uniform testing procedure that may be adopted by all authorities, it is hoped to ensure a higher standard of driving on the rvads in future,” said Mr Forsyth. “It is also hoped that this will be reflected tn a reduced accident rate.” The Transport Department had written to a number ol countries to get details of methods used to test drivers. This information would be available to the special committee. Under the present procedure, an applications for a drivers' licence must pass a test in driving competency and knowledge of the road code. They must also be physically fit and pass an eyesight test .It was in these fields that the committee would endeavour to set clearly defined standards. Special tests for drivers of various classes Of vehicles would also be considered.