New Probationary Driving Licence Scheme and mandatory attendance of Driving Improvement Course to start next Monday
******************************************************* The Transport Department (TD) announced today (February 3) that in accordance with the Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2008, the current Probationary Driving Licence Scheme (PDLS) will be extended to novice drivers of private car and light goods vehicle and the requirement for repeat offenders to attend a Driving Improvement Course (DIC) will become compulsory. The new measures will be implemented next Monday (February 9).
"To enhance road safety and foster good driving behaviour, not only novice drivers of motorcycles/tricycles, but also drivers of private cars and light goods vehicles who apply to take driving tests on and after February 9 will be required to undergo a 12-month probationary driving period before they are eligible for issue of a full driving licence," said a Transport Department spokesman.
The probationary driving licence holders are subject to additional driving restrictions on top of those applicable to ordinary motorists. These include the display of a "P" plate at the front and rear of their vehicles while driving, not driving at a speed in excess of 70 km/h, and not driving on the offside lane of expressways where there are three or more traffic lanes.
For the mandatory DIC, those who have been convicted of serious traffic offences, such as dangerous driving and drink driving, and repeat offenders who have accumulated 10 driving-offence points within a period of two years, are required to attend the course. They should attend the course within three months from the date of issue of the written notification issued by the TD, or according to the period ordered by the court.
The course is provided by Driving Improvement Schools designated by the TD. For information on the schools or details of the two schemes, please visit the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) or call the department's hotline at 2804 2600.
Ends/Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:22