HL Deb 26 February 1997 vol 578 cc1187-8

3.20 p.m.

The Lord Campbell of Croy asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proof of identity is now required to be produced by learner drivers when they take their driving test.

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, at present a candidate for the written driving theory test and the practical driving test has to produce a valid signed driving licence to the examiner at the start of the test and on both occasions sign a form. The examiner checks the signature against that on the candidate's driving licence. From 1st March all test candidates will also have to provide photographic confirmation of their identity at the start of both tests.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for his reply. It is good news that a photograph is now necessary, as was foreshadowed in reply to my similar Question in May 1994. Does my noble friend now feel more confident that an episode at that time, when a learner driver failed the driving test 25 times and then arranged for an impersonator to take his place for the 26th test, will not occur again and that our roads are likely to be safer than they were?

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, it is important to tackle this problem with whatever measures are at our disposal. We believe that the new photo-identity check will deter candidates from attempting such fraud and foil it if they do.

Lord Clinton-Davis

My Lords, while, on behalf of the Opposition, I express support for what has happened, I hope that the noble Lord, Lord Campbell, was not suggesting that Rory Bremner was one of those impersonators. I am quite sure that he would have been able to do it. Clearly, any attempt to ensure that fraud of this kind does not occur is to be thoroughly welcomed.

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, yes.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, does my noble friend agree that a watertight system is required to deter corrupt driving schools from continuing the practice about which I have complained?

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, I am not sure that any system can be completely watertight. If people are determined to commit fraud, albeit a very dangerous one in these circumstances, there is always a possibility that they will succeed. However, I am sure that a proper photo-identity check will help in the war against crime.

Lord Richard

My Lords, is the Minister able to finish the story begun by his noble friend Lord Campbell of Croy? Did the individual concerned pass on the 26th attempt?

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, as my noble friend tells the story, in that case the driving test was performed by an impersonator. Whether or not the individual passed the test will, I believe, require further detailed research.