sec.23Purpose of driver authorisation

### sec.23 Purpose of driver authorisation The purpose of driver authorisation is to maximise public confidence in public passenger services in relation to the drivers of public passenger vehicles. Without limiting subsection (1) , the purpose includes ensuring that drivers of public passenger vehicles— are suitable persons to drive public passenger vehicles having regard to the need to provide for the personal safety of passengers and their property, and the public; and conduct themselves responsibly with passengers and the public; and are responsible in the act of driving and are capable of safely operating the relevant type of vehicle; and are aware of their customer service responsibilities; and are held accountable for complying with any prescribed requirements. Without limiting subsection (1) or (2) , the purpose also includes ensuring that drivers do not damage the reputation of public passenger transport. In deciding whether to grant driver authorisation to a person, or to renew or amend, impose a condition on, or suspend or cancel a person’s driver authorisation, the chief executive must take into consideration— the purpose of driver authorisation mentioned in subsections (1) to (3) ; and the paramount principle mentioned in section 33A that children and other vulnerable members of the community must be protected. s 23 sub 2004 No. 9 s 12A amd 2024 No. 2 s 36 (sec.23-ssec.1) The purpose of driver authorisation is to maximise public confidence in public passenger services in relation to the drivers of public passenger vehicles. (sec.23-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the purpose includes ensuring that drivers of public passenger vehicles— are suitable persons to drive public passenger vehicles having regard to the need to provide for the personal safety of passengers and their property, and the public; and conduct themselves responsibly with passengers and the public; and are responsible in the act of driving and are capable of safely operating the relevant type of vehicle; and are aware of their customer service responsibilities; and are held accountable for complying with any prescribed requirements. (sec.23-ssec.3) Without limiting subsection (1) or (2) , the purpose also includes ensuring that drivers do not damage the reputation of public passenger transport. (sec.23-ssec.4) In deciding whether to grant driver authorisation to a person, or to renew or amend, impose a condition on, or suspend or cancel a person’s driver authorisation, the chief executive must take into consideration— the purpose of driver authorisation mentioned in subsections (1) to (3) ; and the paramount principle mentioned in section 33A that children and other vulnerable members of the community must be protected. - (a) are suitable persons to drive public passenger vehicles having regard to the need to provide for the personal safety of passengers and their property, and the public; and - (b) conduct themselves responsibly with passengers and the public; and - (c) are responsible in the act of driving and are capable of safely operating the relevant type of vehicle; and - (d) are aware of their customer service responsibilities; and - (e) are held accountable for complying with any prescribed requirements. - (a) the purpose of driver authorisation mentioned in subsections (1) to (3) ; and - (b) the paramount principle mentioned in section 33A that children and other vulnerable members of the community must be protected.