Driving Licences (Hansard, 11 April 1956)

§ 10. Mr. P. Wells
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what type of licence is issued to drivers taking their test on tractors.

§ Mr. Molson
The type of licence issued depends on the classification for driving test purposes of the tractor on which the test is taken. If the test is taken on a track-laying agricultural tractor which is steered by its own tracks the licence is limited to Group F; if taken on any other type of agricultural tractor, the licence is for Group B; if taken on any other type of tractor the licence is for Group A and, provided the test has been taken since 1st December, 1948, for Group B also.

§ Mr. Wells
Is the Minister aware that a number of drivers who fail on a number of occasions to pass the car driving test subsequently take the test on a tractor and are then able to drive motor cars and other vehicles listed in Group A?

§ Mr. Molson
I think the hon. Member is referring to the re-classification which took place on 1st December, 1948. Under the arrangements as they have now been revised, a person passing a test on or after that date on a Group A vehicle is automatically authorised to drive an agricultural tractor. Previously, that was not the case and the retrospective operation was not authorised, but we intend to try to deal with that under the Road Traffic Bill.

§ Mr. Wells
If I send the Minister particulars of cases where individuals have been turned down after a test for car driving but subsequently have been granted a licence to drive a tractor belonging to a county council, will he look into that?

§ Mr. Molson
Yes, I will certainly look into the point.

§ 21. Mr. Osborne
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that a completely deaf man was recently convicted in the Mansion House Court for driving a van whilst holding a 182 provisional licence, not accompanied by a qualified driver; and, in view of the increasing number of deaths due to motor accidents, if he will introduce legislation prohibiting the deaf, epileptic and those with defective eyesight, from obtaining driving licences.

§ Mr. Molson
I have seen reports of this case. The law already provides that persons who suffer from epilepsy or who are unable to read a vehicle number plate—with glasses if worn—at a distance of 25 yards in good daylight cannot be granted a driving licence. Persons who are deaf may be granted a substantive licence if they pass the driving test. I see no reason at present to alter the position.

§ Mr. Osborne
What is the position where people who have a driving licence become subject to these diseases and are, therefore, dangerous when they have a car in their charge? Does my hon. Friend think that the penalties are sufficiently adequate for people who do not keep the law in this respect?

§ Mr. Molson
Every time a driver applies for the renewal of a licence he is obliged to answer the twelfth question in the application form, which reads as follows: Do you suffer from epilepsy, or from sudden attacks of disabling giddiness or fainting? and the fifteenth question: Are you suffering from any other disease, mental or physical, or disability which would be likely to cause the driving by you of a motor vehicle to be a source of danger to the public? Every year, anyone holding a driving licence is under an obligation to answer those questions.