HC Deb 09 March 1933 vol 275 cc1326-7
60. Sir W. BRASS

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to prevent local authorities who at present issue motor driving licences from issuing, as from some future date, any licences to new applicants, who have not previously held licences, until a short oral examination on the recognised rules of the road, including hand signals, shall have been successfully passed, in order that prospective drivers may have a knowledge of the highway code?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

The whole question as to the tests, if any, to which applicants for motor driving licences should be put was discussed at considerable length when the Road Traffic Act, 1930, was before Parliament. Amending legislation would be required to carry out the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion, and while I am not at present satisfied that this is necessary, I shall keep the matter in mind.

Sir W. BRASS

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary realise the danger that arises from people who have no idea of the rules of the road being granted licences without having read the rules?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I understand the danger to which the hon. and gallant Member alludes, but if he will inquire into the causes of road accidents, he will find that the majority are not due to beginners so much as to people who have been driving for some time.