"P" plate required for probationary motorists from October 1

The Transport Department reminds persons wishing to apply for taking a motorcycle driving test on or after October 1 that they will only be eligible for a probationary driving licence in the first 12 months after they pass the test and they will be required to display a " P" plate at the front and rear of their motorcycles during the period.

Apart from the requirement of displaying the "P" plate, holders of the probationary driving licence are also subject to the following restrictions on top of existing regulations applicable to ordinary motorists:

	they are not allowed to carry any passenger when driving a motorcycle or motor tricycle;
	They are not allowed to drive at a speed in excess of 70 km/h, even if they are on a road section of which the speed limit is higher than 70 km/h; and
	They are not allowed to drive on the offside lane of expressways where there are three or more traffic lanes.

A Transport Department spokesman said that the aim of introducing such a mandatory probationary period was to enhance road safety.

"Traffic statistics show that the ratio of traffic accidents involving inexperienced motorcyclists is five times of that involving the experienced," he added.

The spokesman reminded those who would hold a probationary licence that they should comply with relevant traffic regulations otherwise they may not be able to get a full driving licence successfully at the end of the probationary period.

"Whether or not a full driving licence will be issued depends on the performance of the licence holder during his probationary period," he said.

"If he commits a serious road traffic offence which incurs 10 or more demerit points, his probationary driving licence will be cancelled.

"If he commits a minor road traffic offence which incurs less than 10 demerit points, or any of the four restrictions newly imposed, his probationary period will be extended for six months upon conviction of that offence. If, during the remaining probation period, he is convicted again of a subsequent offence either of a serious or minor nature, his probationary driving licence will be cancelled."

Any person who contravenes the newly introduced restrictions will be liable to different amounts of fines.

"Overseas experience has proved such a probationary system a very effective way in enhancing road safety, and we will closely monitor the situation when the new requirements are imposed on October 1," said the spokesman.

End/Wednesday, September 27, 2000