§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will bring forward proposals to make it compulsory for all learner drivers to drive with qualified and registered instructors at all times; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleNo. Freedom to practice under the supervision of a friend or relative who is an experienced qualified driver widens the opportunity for learners to gain experience. Recent research indicates that learner drivers who supplement professional instruction in this way are better prepared for their driving test.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the average waiting time for driving tests in(a) Paisley, (b) Scotland and (c) the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe average waiting time for driving tests at Paisley is six weeks, in Scotland five weeks,510W and in Great Britain five weeks. Driving tests in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment.