I NOTICE that there is a discrepancy in the Driver Improvement Points System (Dips) for motorists.

From the Singapore Police Force website, it is stated that Dips allows a motorist to accumulate up to 24 points within 24 months before he becomes liable for suspension.

However, a new driver's licence will be revoked upon accumulation of 13 or more demerit points within a period of 12 months from the date of the grant of the licence.

The system penalises new drivers by allowing them to accumulate a maximum of 12 points before the licence is revoked, but it is 24 points for an "old" driver before his licence is suspended (not even revoked).

The main purpose, I assume, is to caution new drivers against reckless driving.

However, there is a flaw in that "old" drivers might be new on the road too.

Some of them may have received their licences eons ago but have not driven in a long time. Then, they decide to start driving.

For example, in recent years with the economy improving and fatter pay cheques, these drivers are buying cars.

However, they fall under the 24-point system instead of that for new drivers.

JUST AS DANGEROUS

Are they any more experienced than the fresh, new drivers?

Can they be considered experienced when they haven't been on the road for so long?

The new drivers are fresh out of driving schools and would have spent more time behind the steering wheel.

Maybe the authorities can review the system and make changes, such as having drivers register when they own a car and would drive regularly.

This would help to ensure that all new road users are accorded the same treatment.