MOTORING IN BRITAIN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 424, 15 November 1930, Page 20 (Supplement)

MOTORING IN BRITAIN

TESTS FOR DRIVERS EYESIGHT AND HEALTH THE NEW REGULATIONS Some of the new regulations which will govern the future issue of motorcar licences in Britain and the running of public service vehicles under the Road Traffic Act were announced a few weeks ago. As from December 1 the following will be an absolute bar to the issue of a motor-driver’s licence: (1) Extremely defective eyesight; (2) liability to disabling fits. Actual standards of disability were under discussion with representatives of the British Medical Association. A scientific eyesight test will be laid down in the regulations, but for the man in the street a rough guide will probably be: Ability to read a motorcar number-plate in ordinary daylight, with glasses, if worn, at a distance of about 30 to 35 yards.

Every applicant for a motor-driver’s licence will have to declare whether he is suffering from anything likely to interfere with his efficiency as a driver, such as; Heart attacks, epileptic fits, or mental disease. There are stiff penalties for a false declaration, and if an applicant is in any doubt a medical eexamination is recommended. Disabled drivers—one arm, one leg, stiff leg, etc. —who arc at present driving, will be compelled to sign a declaration to the effect that their driving has not been a source of danger. Existing licences will then be renewed.

Disabled drivers who are new applicants for licences will have to pass a driving test. Details of the test have been agreed with the representatives of the motoring organisations and tho Disabled Men’s Association. The test requires that a driver should bo able to carry out promptly and effectively the ordinary operations connected with the driving of a motor vehicle; for instance, reversing a vehicle -into an assigned position; stopping a vehicle within a reasonable distance, according to speed; and stopping and starting a vehicle on a steep incline.

The new form of driver’s licence will contain evidence of identification. A photograph is not favoured, and probably the driver’s signature will be required. Existing licences will run their course, the new regulations applying to new applications.