§ Mr. Fryasked the Minister of Transport how many driving tests were conducted during 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979, distinguishing the numbers of tests conducted for car drivers and for motor cyclists in each of these years.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI regret that separate figures for car drivers and motorcyclists are not available. The total numbers of tests conducted during these years were:
1976 1,882,725 1977 1,767,828 1978 1,632,243 1979 1,569,641 The numbers of tests conducted in 1978 and 1979 fell far short of demand. This occurred largely because the number of examiners had been allowed to fall to an unacceptably low level; this is now being put right by my right hon. Friend's recruitment campaign.
§ Mr. Marlowasked the Minister of Transport what is the proportion of (a) male and (b) female drivers that pass the driving test for the first time.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkePeriodic sample surveys of driving tests indicate that, for candidates taking their first test, the average pass rate for men is about 48 per cent., and for women 34 per cent.