§ 9. Mr. Peytonasked the Minister of Transport if he will consider introducing a system of graduated driving tests which would make some allowance for the speed and power of the vehicle concerned.
§ Mr. MarplesThe load of work at present being carried by the driving test organisation makes any form of further test impracticable for the time being. But some form of further test might well contribute to road safety, and I am keeping my hon. Friend's proposal under review.
§ Mr. PeytonWill my right hon. Friend forgive me if I say that I regard that Answer as being rather stone-walling? Does he not think that the present system of tests is quite inadequate and that it fails wholly even to touch upon the ability of a young driver to drive a motor car at speeds up to 60, 70 or 80 miles an hour and that, as such, it is becoming a complete farce, out of date 1473 and silly? Is he aware that there is a good deal of evidence to suggest that this is the cause of many accidents? May I hope that he takes the matter more seriously?
§ Mr. MarplesMy hon. Friend is a little too indignant. A better idea than a system of graduated driving tests might be a system of graduated driving licences, which is a different proposition altogether.