Nervous wouldbe drivers need empathy

WHAT are the qualifications and qualities required for VTNZ examiners who test young drivers for a driver’s licence? Do these examiners have stringent tests and are their personalities and people skills suited for this important position?

Too many capable young Dunedin drivers are failing their driving licence tests and it is time for the examiners to make known just how many young people are having to resit their tests — sometimes more than once.

Many of these applicants need licences to get to school or work or even to help transport elderly relatives to appointments. What are they doing wrong and are they being encouraged by a friendly examiner?

When being tested, most people feel nervous and nervous people make more mistakes. It is ridiculous when some capable young people are held back and their confidence dashed by examiners who are too critical. Surely it is the job of examiners to encourage and help build the confidence of each, especially those who are completing a resit examination. Maybe it is time for driving school teachers to be given the qualification to test their learner drivers when they know that they are ready to drive alone safely. Then more young people would pass their tests. Bernice Armstrong

North East Valley

Holding on

I READ with much amusement the article (ODT 6.4.24) in which Cr Steve Walker suggested that the mayor takes a plane trip to Wellington to talk to Shane Reti.

The majority of the people needing the new hospital voted for Labour.

Without representation in government, I would not be surprised if the new Dunedin hospital is put on hold.

If there is a common sense course at Otago University, then maybe Cr Walker should attend.

Gavin Mead Waitati