FITNESS TO DRIVE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 6 October 1936, Page 7

FITNESS TO DRIVE

87,000 DRIVERS FAIL IN ‘ ENGLAND ALL OLD MOTORISTS MAY HAVE TO FACE TESTS (By Air Mail—From A Special Correspondent) LONDON, 12th September. Since March, 1934, 87,000 incompetent drivers have failed to pass the Ministry of Transport driving tests. Now Mr Hore-Belisha is planning drastic reforms in the issue of driving licenses.

The general license which permits a person “to drive a motor vehicle of any class or description” is to be abolished.

The test for motor-cycle license applicants is to be revised. Now it is similar to that applied to car drivers, but it is realised that the control of a motor-cycle demands different qualities and a special method of testing is being devised. Under present regulations any driver, old or new, who is allowed to take out a license may obtain permission to drive any class of private vehicle.

Mr Hore-Belisha is preparing to exercise soon the powers given to him under the Driving Licenses Act which received the Royal Assent before Parliament rose for the summer recess.

A Ministry official stated this week: “The position of the old drivers so far as the new regulations are concerned is being considered. “The regulations governing the issue of licenses to heavy goods vehicle drivers are also to be revised. “Now a man who drives an electric dust or milk cart can go on to a heavy lorry.

“This is to be made impossible, and separate tests will be required. “The answer to those who criticised the introduct!on of the driving tset is that we have prevented 87,000 incompetent people from driving vehicles unaccompanied.” Of some 3.200,000 drivers on the road, 330.000 have been officially certified as competent.