Those Driving Tests
Page 49
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A LL persons who obtained their first fa/driving licences after April L 1984, must undergo a driving test by an examiner. The number is approximately 418,000, whilst from April to July the number of new applications for licences averages 40,000 monthly. To cope with this work, 250 examiners have been appointed.
The examiners will not be expected to test more than, say, 16 applicants per day. After a date which is not yet fixed, but will probably not be within two months, no one will be permitted to drive unless he has either passed the requisite test or held a licence before A pril 1, 1034.
To avoid congestion and delay it is essential that those who held licences aud have to undergo the test should make early application on Form DL.26. This will not be obtainable from post offices but from all local taxation offices, Traffic Commissioners, driving schools, etc.
The new applicant for a licence must apply for a provisional licence, costing 5s, with which he will receive a form, and so soon as the applicant thinks he can drive satisfactorily he should
arrange with the supervising examiner for a test. Groups of examiners will be spread over the country and, where possible, circuits will be arranged. During the learning period, a simple " L," of the required size, must be carried conspicuously on the vehicle, and the learner must. be accompanied by, a qualified driver. The fee for the test is 7s. 6d. Having obtained his certificate, he will take or send this to the licensing authority and pay another 5s. for his full licence, the total sum amounting to 17s. 6d.
If he fails to pass he must wait another month and. pay 7s. 6d. for a further test ; if he fails at three months he must pay another 5s. for another provisional licence.
It will not be a question of pretty driving but of safe driving. Crashing of gears would not necessarily disqualify. The tests will probably average half an hour, but 10 minutes should be sufficient in some cases. A good knowledge of the Highway Code will be essential. Where the test is necessary, existing licences must be taken to the licensing authority for entry after the test has been passed.