The Ministry of Transportation and Communications yesterday proposed that high-risk drivers who have retaken their license tests be granted short-term licenses that are valid for one to six years, depending on the severity of their offenses.
The ministry’s proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Security Rules (道路交通安全規則) and other regulations stipulate that people who were permanently banned from taking a driver’s license test and are given permission to do so again would be given a one-year license.
Drivers who must take the license test again after their licenses were revoked would be given a two-year license, while those whose license has been suspended for more than one year or less than one year would be given three-year and six-year licenses respectively, the proposed amendments say.
Photo: Taipei Times file
Short-term license holders must also take defensive driving courses and pay all fines, the ministry said, adding that their driving record would be closely monitored for six years.
Drivers can receive a renewed license that is valid until they are 75 if they do not have their license suspended during the six-year probation period.
The legal procedures for the amendments are to be completed next month, the ministry said, adding that the amendments are scheduled to be implemented in October.
After the amendments take effect, drivers whose licenses have been suspended would not get their license back after the suspension period expires, but would have to apply for a short-term license.
They are obligated to renew their license one month before their short-term license expires, it said.
When applying for a new license after the old one expires, the time spent waiting for the new license would not be counted as part of the six-year probation period, it said.
Starting on July 1 last year, new licenses are valid until the age 75. Drivers who are older than 75 are required to renew their license every three years and must submit proof that they have passed a physical examination and cognitive tests, the ministry said.
If their driving licenses are revoked and they reapply for re-examination and a driving license valid for two years, senior drivers must undergo a physical examination every two years during the six-year probation period, it said.
They are qualified to apply for a license renewal if they have passed a cognitive test or have proof that they do not have moderate or serious dementia, it said.
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