HC Deb 03 February 1960 vol 616 cc970-1
4. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport if he will insert into the list of questions for reply by applicants for driving licences, one asking whether the applicant has driven a motor vehicle during the past twelve months; and if he will ensure that if an applicant has not so driven he shall only be permitted to buy a provisional licence with all the resulting legal obligations.

Mr. Marples

I have nothing to add to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member on 2nd December about the grant of driving licences.

Mr. Janner

Has the right hon. Gentleman not had an opportunity since then of examining this point? Is it not important that a person who may have held a licence for thirty years but had never driven in the course of that period should not still be in a position to drive a car which is an instrument which may do damage and endanger the public? Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that something ought to be done about that?

Mr. Marples

There are many amendments and refinements which could be made to the present procedure. At present the driving test system is under great stress and strain. I think we ought to get that straight before we add to the difficulties.