Ministry Highlights Changes To Motor Car Act
“The new year will see simplified and modernized processes for Bermuda’s road users,” Minister of Transport Wayne Furbert said.
A Government spokesperson said, “Minister Furbert outlined changes to legislation starting with the Motor Car Act 1951 which will be amended to remove the requirement for a medical examination during the driver’s licence renewal process for most drivers under the age of 70, and reduce the requirements for vehicle inspections for newer vehicles.”
Minister Furbert said, “One of the key legislative changes is the elimination of the mandatory medical examination every 10 years for private driver’s licence holders under the age of 70. Currently, applicants must submit a medical form during both the initial licence application and subsequent renewals. This form includes a self-reported health assessment, and a physical fitness evaluation conducted by a physician, which assesses eyesight, hearing, and general physical health.
“Under the amended legislation, private licence holders will only be required to self-report any medical conditions that could impair their driving ability until they reach the age of 70. A medical certificate will only be required if an applicant reports a condition that might affect their driving fitness. This change will reduce the administrative and financial burden for drivers, streamline the renewal process, and make it more convenient for applicants, all without compromising safety standards.”
The Government spokesperson said, “After age 70, the current requirements for periodic medical certification will remain in place to ensure public safety.
“The Ministry will also amend the Motor Car Act 1951, to change the frequency of mandatory vehicle inspections for new vehicles. During the first five years of a vehicle’s life, the number of inspections required will be reduced, saving time and money for vehicle owners.
“We promised to reduce or eliminate red-tape and so to streamline processes, the Ministry is accelerating its digital transformation initiatives by digitising all remaining manual processes at TCD. This modernisation effort will provide road users with a more seamless and efficient experience.
“Processes slated for digitalisation include:
- Public Service Vehicle Licenses [PSVL]
- Commercial Vehicle Permits [CVP]
- Project Ride Instructor [PRI] applications
- Learner’s Permit and Driver’s License applications
- Vehicle importation and replacement processes
- Change of vehicle category applications
- Registration of classic cars
- Sporting Association Trailer Permits
- Commercial Vehicle Licenses [CVL]
- Public Service Vehicle Permits [PSVP]
Minister Furbert said, “We are committed to improving efficiency, reducing bureaucracy, and leveraging technology to enhance services for the public. The 2024 Throne Speech promised to continue to make accessing government services easier and we are keeping that promise to the public.”
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FOR A FAIRER BERMUDA
BERMUDA THE ISLAND OF NO !
Seniors over the age of 70 will still be required to produce a medical certificate history which is grosely unfair.
The Government certainly know how to take care of seniors not good.
Now it apears that we can not drive to the voting polls .
Four years ago i was out on a TCD driving test. the examiner fell asleep on me. now what. !
Here we go again sanctioning our seniors .
Meaning if we go over seas for a minor affliction or minor disability as a senior they will not be able to drive.
Cant get two weeks groceries on the bus .
Government insults Doctors who are more than capable of giving driving advice and or recomendations to their driving patients.
Many seniors are certainly better drivers than those other drivers.
Mr. Out- of -sight with a habit problem , and those who have a green bottle in a small brown bag. Ok !to drive. ?
I am lucky to be alive after the botched up Covid 19 Vaxination ” or else ” requirement.
Government and their employers at TCD are not entitled to privalaged information or any form of medical in formation. especially from our women. NON YA !
By forcing doctors to break their medical code relating to patient / doctors ethics and requiring doctors to sign of on their patients health ,is our of order.
Doctors visits cost seniors money and also a hit on seniors medical insurance plan.
Many seniors are in magnificent health , most never been better and far from “not dead yet” and well over 7O and don’t drive a wheel chair .
Doctor confidentialities have become. not by their choice out of order in breach of their act .
eg : The common cold
All and any person, senior or other wise, need say to their employer ” i am sick ” the employer is not entitled to any further personal medical information.
This includes TCD employees .
So TCD will have less work to do, but no staff will be made redundant and our annual licence fee will still increase. That is a “fairer Bermuda”.