The new driving licence test will come into force on January 1, the Malta Transport Authority said yesterday.

Those applying for their driving test from Monday onwards will be subject to the new testing procedures.

The authority said applicants may start to learn to drive as long as they are over 18 but preparation for the theory test should start as early as possible.

It urged applicants to seek professional help from licensed driving instructors.

Explaining the new procedures, the authority said applicants (who must be over 18) may apply at any time to take the theoretical part of the test (in Maltese or English) at the new Theory Test Centre in Guardamangia Hill, Pietà. In case of failure, the test may be re-taken as often as necessary, but a minimum of three working days must be allowed to pass between tests.

Copies of the theory test question bank, in CD format, will be made available free of charge to all motoring schools, local councils, libraries and other official bodies. CDs will also be available from the Driver Licensing Section at a cost.

On passing the theory test for the relevant category of vehicle, the candidate may apply to take the test of skills and behaviour.

The practical driving test will no longer include any oral questions because the candidate would have already passed the relevant theory test.

Initially, the practical driving test will not be very different from before, although the actual time spent driving will be extended and certain obligatory manoeuvres will be updated.

As from January 1, all new licences will be issued as probationary licences and will be valid for a maximum of three years.

All probationary licence holders will be subject to the penalty points system. Those who commit a relevant motoring offence will have the appropriate number of penalty points assigned to them. If 12 or more penalty points are recorded at any time over the three-year period, the licence will be revoked automatically and/or suspended by the Magistrates' Court.