TESTS FOR MOTORISTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 116, 17 April 1931, Page 2

TESTS FOR MOTORISTS.

NEW REGULATIONS

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 15. The Minister of Transport, Hon. W. B. Taverner, announces that important changes are gazetted in connection with the conditions of the issue of motor drivers’ licenses. “The new regulations,” states the Minister, “which consolidate as well as amend those at present in force were circulated in draft form to local and other interested bodies some little time back, and their comments and suggestions were invited. As a result some helpful criticisms were received, and where possible suggested alterations have been included in the text. Tho North Island Motor Union and the South Island Motor Union, representing all the associations in the Dominion, are in accord with the regulations, and the majority of local bodies expressed themselves as regarding the regulations as a big improvement on those at present in force.

‘‘Applicants for licenses will be exempt from eyesight and hearing tests if a medical certificate is produced, and a declaration of general physical fitness will be required to be made with each application. The test in knowledge of traffic law will consist of questions to be answered viva voce from sections 27 to 33 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1924, evidence of familiarity of the correct driving signals, and evidence of familiarity with the duties of motor drivers at railway level crossings. The practical driving test will bo conducted as in the past. “Provision is made for the local authority issuing the license to require a certificate of character from the applicant; and in the case of physical incapacity or incompetency the local body may, if it thinks fit, revoke the license previously issued. “Minimum age limits are specified of 21 years in the case of drivers ot passenger vehicles used for hire, and 18 years in the case of drivers of goods motor vehicles weighing over two tons unloaded, but a clause safeguards those drivers who may ;be under these age limits and who were already engaged in driving the respective typo of vehicle before March 1, 1931. ' A general minimum nge limit of 15 years applies to all' other motor drivers, and is fixed by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1924. “It can bo definitely stated,” said the Minister, in conclusion, “that for any local authority which has in the past carried out to the full its duties concerning motor drivers’ licenses, there will be little, if any, additional work involved by the new regulations.”