The Transport Control Department announced this week that as of April 1 changes in vehicle expiration dates will fall on the individuals birthday creating an easier day at the department.

Director of Transport Mr. Donald Dane said that under the new system, a person may initially have his private motor car licensed and insured for 1-18 months, depending on his date of birth.

"If a person's private car expires on May 31, 1994 and his birth date is September 15, the person may have his car licensed and insured until September 15, 1994 or until September 15, 1995 and every 12 months thereafter.

"During this period of 1-18 months, the private car will be inspected once,'' Mr. Dane said.

"Once a car has been inspected and a pass certificate issued, the certificate will be valid for a period not exceeding 18 months. The car insurance must coincide with the licensing period of the car.

"If the private motor car is owned by two or more persons, they must inform TCD of whose birth date is to be used and that birthday shall be used for the duration of the partnership.'' He added that other changes will occur in vehicle inspection.

"As of April 1, 1994 motor car dealers will be responsible for initial inspecting of all of their private motor cars which have not been modified or, are new makes and/or models.'' Mr. Dane also said that TCD examiners will be responsible for inspecting all modified and new makes and/or models of private cars.

And all public service vehicles which are inspected three times a year will be inspected twice a year as of the first of April.

He also stated that medical and competency driving tests will be required for those people between 18 and 65 who want to get an additional driver's licence for other vehicles will be required to produce a doctor's certificate and pass a driving competency test. This initial doctor's certificate and driving test is valid until the person reaches 65.

"At the age of 65 years the person must produce a doctor's certificate and undergo a driving test, and at the age of 75-years-old a person must undergo a medical test and a practical driving test every two years.'' Mr. Dane said: "We are forward moving and evolving. Nothing is static, and when we think there is a need for change we will make changes. All of this is to expedite matters and make the Department of Transport Control more user friendly.

He added: "With the new changes, we are preventing people from being down here more often and whenever they do come, working will be done quickly.''