MOTOR – CYCLISTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23339, 6 May 1939, Page 12

MOTOR - CYCLISTS

PLATES FOR LEARNERS

FIRST THREE MONTHS SAFETY PRECAUTION; MINISTER'S EXPLANATION [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Friday Amending regulations, the object of which is the protection of young motor-cyclists who are learning to ride, were issued as a special Gazette this evening. They-provide for the carrying of "L" plates by learners and are to come into force on May 11. The plate will be approximately 3in. by sin., and will carry a red "L" on a white background. It will be of metal and will be attached to the ordinary number plates.

The Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, said that persons learning to drive cars were able to carry a licensed and experienced driver in the front seat with them. Motor-cyclists, however, did not have the same advantage. It was important that a beginner should have experience in traffic before he went for his full licence and the "L" plate enabled him, subject to proper safeguards, to obtain this experience.

Upon purchasing a machine a learner satisfied the local authority that his sight and hearing were good, that he knew the rules of the road, and that he had a basic knowledge of the controls of the machine. He was then issued with two plates at a nominal charge of sixpence a plate. After carrying the plates for three months the beginner satisfied the local authority as to his competence and was given a full licence. To safeguard himself and other road-users, during the three months he was not allowed to carry pillion passengers and was subject to a maximum speed limit of 40 miles an hour.

"The provision of 'L' plates for motor-cycle learners was recommended by the Road Safety Council at the last meeting and has the approval of responsible motor-cycle authorities throughout New Zealand," said Mr. Seinple. "The purpose of the plate is to secure more courteous and considerate treatment for the learner and protect him from drivers who might otherwise be tempted to take risks when passing him. It will also be to- some extent a protection to car drivers who happen to be in the vicinity of a learner."