Probationary Licences, “L” Plates For Youths

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31041, 22 April 1966, Page 3

Probationary Licences, “L” Plates For Youths

(.Veto Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 21. Probationary driving licences and learner’s plates on cars will be introduced on June 1 under regulations gazetted today. The Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine), said new applicants for licences who were successful in passing the prescribed tests would be issued with probationary licences for various periods.

“In the case of an applicant under 16. the probationary licence will remain in effect until he is 18,” Mr McAlpine said.

Applicants whose licences expired more than three years before would have one year's probation. The term of the probationary licence for other applicants over 16 would be two years. The regulations also give the courts power to order a probationary period for driv-

er’s convicted of driving offences or to extend the period of probation in the case of a convicted person who is already a probationary driver. There are also certain conditions attached to a probationary licence. The holder of such a licence was not permitted to teach any other person to drive, or allowed to drive an ambulance, school bus or any vehicle carrying passengers for hire or reward. A probationary driver must also display, in the case of a motor-cycle, a learner’s licence label and in the case of any other motor vehicle an “L” plate in a prominent position so as to be clearly visible from the rear. Mr McAlpine said a further amendment to the regulations permitted the use of eyetesting equipment for testing applicants for driving licences provided the equipment has been approved by the Commissioner of Transport.