Paphos People

CY Mail - Sat' 29.12.07

ASPIRING motorists will soon be able to get a date for their coveted driver’s licence test over the internet, one of many new innovations being introduced by the Road Transport Department in the coming year.

The department’s website will host an automated booking system. You type in the day and time of choice, and the system searches for the earliest available opening. If the date provided does not suit you, you may cancel and submit a request for a new date.

Want to renew your road tax? No problem, just get online, point and click.

Moreover, motor insurance companies will have access to the department’s database, from where they will obtain information about a customer’s vehicle to determine the appropriate coverage. For example, insurers will know the car’s engine capacity, whether it is a convertible, turbo-charged, etc.

It is hoped this will streamline the insuring of vehicles and avoid misunderstandings with customers whenever a claim arises.

In addition, as of 1 January importers can register new or used automobiles and motorcycles on the internet, saving them the hustle and bustle of running from one government office to another.

Speaking of motorbikes, the Road Transport Department plans to institute changes to the way the driver’s test is conducted. Wannabe bikers will now be tested in ‘real-world’ conditions. Instead of standing at one spot and watching the driver, examiners themselves will get on a bike and shadow the examinee on the roads.

According to department head Soteris Kolettas, they have secured the necessary gear for their examiners and are ready to implement the new system right away.

“The entire system should be up and running by mid-January, after the switchover to the euro,” Kolettas told the Mail.

The first service to be available will be registration of used cars and motorcycles, with the other services gradually being activated.

“The system will provide a one-stop service for tasks that so far needed several steps and paperwork to complete. We believe people will find it extremely useful,” said Kolettas.

Cant come soon enough.

As for the Motorbike test. Its pathetic at the moment,
I thought the car drivers in Cy were bad enough but the bikers are suicidal.

Russ

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Did you think i would leave you dying.
When there's room on my horse for two.

Does that go for all of those who started driving cars before a test was required here & haven't even taken a test since... like any Cypriot over the age of 50 maybe

Pete

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Pete