§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the types of vehicle of heavy goods vehicle classification used by the armed forces and the number of qualified drivers needed each year both for these types of vehicle and for other purposes.
§ Mr. LeeThere are well in excess of 1,000 types of vehicles of heavy goods vehicle classification used by the armed forces. The number of qualified service drivers needed each year for these types and for other purposes is 16,874. There are in addition a number of other drivers trained in individual units for which no central records are kept.
§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to reach a decision on the future of driver training for the armed services.
§ Mr. LeeWe are currently engaged in a major review of driver training. It is too early to say when we will be in a position to make any decisions.
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§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the minimum qualifications and experience necessary for driving instructors instructing heavy goods vehicle trainees in the armed services.
§ Mr. LeeThe armed services comply with the civilian law for driving instructors in that they must hold the appropriate licence. In addition, driving instructors usually have at least two years' experience in driving heavy goods vehicles and have passed an instructors' course or are deemed to be competent to instruct by their commanding officer.