§ Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he is satisfied that driving standards in Europe are broadly comparable with those in the United Kingdom;
(2) what consideration he is now giving to a European driving licence; and if he is satisfied that there is adequate comparability of driving instruction, tests, and examination throughout EEC member countries to ensure that all holders of such a licence would meet a minimum comparable driving standard and proficiency.
§ Mr. HoramAs I told the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) on 1st February—[Vol. 943, c. 191–2]—proposals for European driving licences are to be examined further by officials.
Minimum standards for driving tests have been proposed for adoption; but where—as is the case of tests for drivers of heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles particularly—United Kingdom standards are already higher than those proposed, my right hon. Friend intends to maintain our standards.
Driving instruction is not compulsory for learner drivers in the United Kingdom, and the EEC proposals would not make it so.
I would not venture to compare general driving standards in different countries on the basis only of minimum standards for instruction and testing of drivers.