§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the arrangements for withdrawing driving licences from those who become physically incapable of driving before the age of 70.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied that driving licences should be issued until the holder reaches age 70; what check is proposed that the holder remains physically capable of driving; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. HoramYes. Till-70 licences are granted only when it is safe to do so. When drivers' future fitness is in doubt, they receive licences lasting one, two or three years, as appropriate, so that their progress can be reviewed regularly. Every licence holder is required by law to report forthwith the onset or worsening of any disability which is likely either now or in the future to render him unsafe as a driver.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will have discussions with representatives of the insurance companies to ensure a flow of information on the physical capacity of a person to drive a motor vehicle.
§ Mr. HoramNo. The law already imposes on insurers a duty to provide us with particulars of persons to whom they refuse, on medical grounds, a third party motor vehicle insurance policy.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department has medical facilities to check the ability of a person to continue to drive a vehicle.
§ Mr. HoramYes. Where there is doubt about a driver's physical fitness to drive, the professional staff of the medical advisory branch at Swansea are able to consult his doctor(s) before making a recommendation. Where necessary, a driver can be required to have a medical examination by a nominated doctor and/or to take a driving test.