HC Deb 21 October 2003 vol 411 c477W
Mr. Dhanda

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will require drivers to be retested for their driving licence on a regular basis. [133540]

Dr. Howells

The Government do not consider that the regular retesting of all drivers would be a proportionate measure to deliver road safety benefits. Courts already have powers to require those drivers who offend to undergo a driving test. Where a driver is guilty of a serious offence, this involves an extended length driving test.

Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average waiting time was for a driver aged over 70 between applying for a licence renewal and the issue of the licence in each of the last three years. [133590]

Dr. Howells

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) aims to return licences 15 working days following receipt of a valid application (i.e. one complete in all respects). This can take longer where further inquiries are required into an individual's health or personal details. This is published in the DVLA's literature that supports application forms. Apart from a courtesy reminder system there are no separate arrangements specifically for processing applications from drivers aged over 70.