§ Mr. Ogdenasked the Minister of Transport how many persons took the motor vehicle driving test for private cars in the United Kingdom in 1955, 1960, and 1964, respectively; and what percentage passed the test on the first, second, or third occasion, respectively.
§ Mr. Tom FraserThe records do not distinguish driving tests taken on private cars, or whether the tests were first or subsequent attempts.
The following is the available information:
Total number of Tests taken in Great Britain Percentage Passes 1955 … … 918,306 54 1960 … … 1,665,805 51 1964 … … 1,962,877 48
§ Mr. Ogdenasked the Minister of Transport how many driving tests for private car driving licences were conducted by examiners of his Department at Liverpool, Edinburgh, Salisbury, St. Asaph, Exeter, Birmingham and Lincoln in 1960 and 1964, respectively; and what were the percentages of passes on the first, second or third occasion for each area.
§ Mr. Tom FraserRecords for 1960 are no longer available. Those for 1964 do not contain the particular information for which my hon. Friend has asked but I will write to him giving such details as are available.
§ Mr. Ogdenasked the Minister of Transport how long have the present criteria for motor vehicle driving licence tests been in operation; if he is satisfied that they are reasonable and suitable for conditions in 1965; and what proposals he has for their revision.
§ Mr. Tom FraserSince 1935. The most important requirement is that the candidate much be competent to drive without danger to, and with due consideration for, other road users. In this 303W respect, the test standard is self-adjusting to current traffic conditions, and I regard it as both reasonable and suitable. Techniques for the future, in regard both to instruction and to the test, are kept under review by my Department.