The Directorate General of High-ways (DGH) announced yesterday that driving lessons will be available nationwide starting this month for motorists whose driver's license has been revoked but who would like to apply for a new one.
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) started implementing the amendment to the Road Traffic Management and Punishment Law in July, allowing motorists who have lost their license to retake driving tests under certain conditions.
The amendment provides that motorists involved in accidents leading to death may apply after their licenses have been revoked for 12 years. Those involved in accidents leading to major and minor injuries may apply 10 years and eight years after losing their license, respectively.
Those whose licenses were revoked for six years may also be granted the chance to apply for a new one as long as they were never caught driving without a license during this period.
Motorists who qualify under these conditions, however, can only apply for a driving permit for sedans, scooters and motorcy-cles. They are not allowed to apply for licenses for large vehicles used for professional or commercial purposes.
According to the amendment, applicants have to take driving lessons first before taking the required tests and applying for a license.
DGH's deputy director general Chen Chun-hsiung (陳俊雄) said yesterday that driving courses will be provided at the directorate's training centers in northern, central and southern Taiwan.
Chen added that car license applicants would be charged NT$2,500 (US$75) for the course, while scooter and motorcycle license applicants would have to pay NT$1,800.
The course will be given once a month in each region, he said.
Meanwhile, the MOTC announced yesterday that owners of vehicles installed with bumpers and high-intensity dischargers (HID) are exempted from having to present receipts and relevant documents when they have their vehicles certified from now until December.
Starting January next year, however, owners must secure documents proving the installation of these additional parts from car makers, dealers and legal auto repair shops and present them to vehicle registration personnel.
Current regulations dictate that bumpers must be attached firmly to the body of the vehicles. They can neither cover the licenses plates or headlights nor have sharp edges.
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