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An East Midlands reader asks for information as to the obtaining of a licence to drive a public service vehicle and additionally how such driving experience could be obtained.
As laid down in the Road Traffic Act, 1960, Section 144, the authority to grant a licence to drive a public service vehicle is vested in the Traffic Commissioners for the traffic area in which the applicant resides. But where the person seeking the grant of a licence is resident in the Metropolitan traffic area the authority is the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. But a licence so granted in any particular traffic area is valid in every other traffic area and remains in force for three years from the date on which it is expressed to take effect, unless it has been previously revoked. A person is disqualified from obtaining a licence to drive a public service vehicle unless he is over the age of 21. Such licences may be limited to particular types of vehicle as specified on the licence.
Compared with other types of vehicle there is an obvious difficulty for would-be drivers to gain experience on public service vehicles. But because of the relative shortage of p.s.v. drivers several large operators do provide for such training for suitable applicants and those interested are advised to contact Lany such operators in their area.