H.G.V. Driving Licences: Difficulties in the Future
Page 24
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THE regulations concerning driving licences for heavy goods vehicles are such that it would appear that, unless concerns are willing, when they require drivers, to take men on in the first instance without the necessary licence, and train them for the tet, there will, in time, be a shortage of qualified drivers for the "heavies."
It is stipulated in the regulations that, unless a driver was in the habit of handling a machine for a period totalling not less than six months in the key year (April 1, 1933-April 1, 1934), he shall, in order to obtain the necessary licence, undergo a Ministry of Transport test on the type of vehicle he wishes to drive. For a licence to drive all types the test must be carried out on an articulated outfit or a machine with a trailer. The onus of providing a vehicle for the purpose of such a test rests with the applicant.
Concerns already employing drivers whom they wish to qualify for a licence to drive heavy goods vehicles are lending the necessary machines to their employees for the purpose of the test. The position of the man who wishes to find employment as a driver of a heavy goods vehicle is, however, somewhat difficult. Assuming that he is unable to comply with the conditions as to the key year, how is he to obtain a machine on which to undergo the test? Haulage concerns will naturally be chary of loaning a: vehicle to a man who is not in their employ, although they might be willing to take him on when he has proved hi.s ability to drive and has obtained the necessary licence. To hire a vehicle for the purpose of the test is likely to be beyond the means of the average applicant, even if it were possible.
The general position to-day would, therefore, appear to be that a man wishing to drive a vehicle over 24 tons unladen weight is debarred from earning his living in this way unless he can persuade some concern to employ him in a temporary capacity and loan him a vehicle for the purpose of the test.