CWA calls for compulsory driving lessons for overseas drivers
THE CWA has called for compulsory driving lessons for all overseas drivers because of accidents on country roads involving tourists.
Tasmania
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THE Country Women’s Association has called for compulsory driving lessons for all overseas drivers because of accidents on country roads involving tourists.
Visitors can drive on an overseas licence for three months before they are required to apply for a Tasmanian licence.
CWA members from George Town and Lilydale were so concerned by the number of accidents involving international drivers in the North they contacted their southern counterparts to call for a resolution to address the matter.
The CWA is calling for mandatory tutorials for all drivers arriving in Australia — either in the form of computer or personal tutorials.
CWA stalwart and immediate past president Shirley Morrisby said international drivers had been involved in minor, major and fatal accidents around Tasmania.
“Our country members are concerned about our gravel country roads but, even on the highways, you can see that quite a few accidents include tourists,’’ Mrs Morrisby said.
“We need to do something about it.’’
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The RACT is also calling for better education for overseas drivers, after figures revealed there were four fatal crashes involving tourists on Tasmanian roads in 2013.
The CWA has written to the State Government, the Opposition and the Federal Government requesting changes to licensing laws.
Registrar of Motor Vehicles Martin Crane said Tasmania was party to a national arrangement and any change to licence laws would need to be made at a national level.
Mr Crane said he has the legislative authority to cancel a visitor’s licence in certain circumstances.
Overseas drivers also have access to a non-compulsory online driver practice knowledge test.
The CWA resolution will go to its national conference in August.
The CWA mission is to improve conditions for women and children, and make life better for families, especially in rural and remote Australia.
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