Drivers who already have a valid licence from an overseas country will soon no longer be required to take the full car driving test in Bermuda.

Instead they will need to take only a written test and the reverse parking section of the practical test.

Those are the changes in the third amendment to the Motor Car Act passed by Senators last week. It is intended to speed up the process for those seeking a licence who have already passed their test overseas.

Although not specified in the amendment, the so-called "zig-zag test" for drivers will also be required for those with an overseas licence to show they can cope with the tighter spaces and turns on Bermuda's roads.

If successful, a provisional licence will be issued and after six months, providing the licence holder has not been convicted of certain driving offences in the meantime, will be issued with a regular licence valid for ten years.

Explaining the changes, Junior Transport Minister Sen. Walter Roban said they would make the TCD experience "more user friendly".

The move was welcomed by Sen. Gina Spence-Farmer (UBP) who said: "Passing the zig-zag test I feel is important for the individual to go through. We often hear of road accidents caused by people not knowing how to manoeuvre around corners."

The Motor Car Amendment (No 3) Act was passed by Senate.