TESTING MOTORISTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 102, 31 March 1925, Page 5

TESTING MOTORISTS.

BOROUGH OFFICERS BUSY. “WOMEN WORST SPEEDSTERS.”The borough traffic managers’ office in the Square was a scene of activity this morning and throughout tho day. as a constant stream of motor vehicles of all descriptions drew up, their drivers seeking a test to enable them to secure a certificate of competency. During the last day or so the acting-traffic manager, Mr F. A. Phelan, has been testing drivers for their certificates, though those who have been tested in previous years merely had their licenses renewed at the borough public office. Up to an early hour this morning some 300 new licenses had been issued, involving a corresponding number of tests, and as this is the last day allowed there has been a last minute rush. A “Standard" reporter was shown the “booking" list of the acting-traffic manager for tho day. It contained appointments for tests every ten minutes, and in conducting them he was assisted by two competent borough bus drivers. Applicants came in and awaited their turn to take a run with the inspecting officers who, in the last day or so, have experienced rides in all manner of motor vehicles. “We made sure that applicants for licenses know the by-laws as_ well as how to manage their vehicle,” said Mr Phelan. “Some have been refused a license because they obviously know very little of management of the road. Some have no idea of how to observe the rule of the road. For instance, when pulling up, they turn round in the street to draw up on the opposite side without taking any care whatever and without signalling their rnten--how he thought the lady drivers compared with tho men, he said that women were worse at speeding. very often they went too fa3t, though otherwise their control was quite all right. Mr Phelan added that so great was the demand for liconses that it was prooable that the tests would have to be continued into next month. SPLENDID HIRE VEHICLES. Asked to comment upon his observation? in connection with the recent examination of licensed •vehicles .~n Palmerston North, tho acting-traffic manager said that the local taxis were a splendid class of motor vehicle—they were not to be eclipsed anywhere. Horse vehicles were naturally growing less every year with the growth of tho motor car and motor lorry in commerce. ______