§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Transport what categories of disabled people are restricted to three year driving licences; on what criteria the restriction is based; why traumatic paraplegics and tetraplegics are included; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HoramLicences restricted to one, two, or three years are issued to those who suffer from disabilities which now or in the future are likely to cause the driving of vehicles in pursuance of the licence to be a source of danger to the public. Restriction is based in individual cases on medical evidence obtained with the applicant or licence-holder's consent. Paraplegics and tetraplegics are included because, I am advised, they may develop complications which could lead to them becoming sources of danger when driving. It seems right to review these cases periodically to ensure that a licence holder's medical condition has not changed. I should emphasise that if all is well licences are renewed automatically and at no cost to applicants.