§ Mr. Roger KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to assess the value for money of the service provided by the Driving Test Organisation in the light of the proposed increase in the driving test fee to £16.50.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe 10% increase proposed represents a total increase of 15% since 1984. This is below the increase in the retail prices index. The new driving test fee of £16.50 is required to cover increased costs and the move to a reduced examiner work schedule later in the year. Significant efficiency improvements are being made following the review of driver testing to improve the service provided to the public, improve productivity and reduce unit costs.