I move amendment No. 35:
In page 18, subsection (1), line 3, before "unless" to insert "except in the case of a first offence and".
It would be in keeping with my agreement to withdraw the other amendments to withdraw this amendment.
SECTION 22.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Sections 22 to 24, inclusive, agreed to.
NEW SECTION.
I move amendment No. 36:
In page 18, before section 25, but in Part IV, to insert the following new section:
"25.—(1) Any person who successfully passes a driving test shall be issued with a ‘Restricted Driving Licence' for a period of 2 years after which a full driving licence shall be issued to them.
(2) Any person who is the bearer of such a Restricted Driving Licence shall not be permitted to travel at a speed in excess of 50 m.p.h".
The amendment is self explanatory. I am asking the Minister to consider the new category of the "R" driver or the restricted driving licence for those people within two years of passing their driving test.
This system operated successfully in other jurisdictions. I had hoped we could make a case, especially to the insurance companies, for more sympathy to young people in regard to insurance premiums charged to young people if it was agreed that such drivers should display an "R" sign when driving for a period of one, two or three years and driving at reduced speeds.
That would also help those who have been driving for a long period to be more tolerant towards the newly qualified driver who may still have some of the characteristics of the "L" driver. Some of our young people, and those who have started driving later in life, are technically better drivers than some of us who have been driving for 20 to 30 years. They have been through a more detailed period of learning to drive and received more technical tuition.
Progress reported: Committee to sit again.
The Select Committee adjourned at 4 p.m. until 11 a.m. on 15 September 1993.