§ Sir John Biggs-DavisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to reduce the time of waiting for driving tests.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe have been recruiting examiners—the number has increased by 100 (7 per cent.) since September 1985, when waiting times peaked at a national average of 17 weeks—and we are continuing to do so as quickly as we can.
The recently published review of driver testing has recommended additional measures for more rapid improvement in waiting times. These are being considered urgently and where appropriate will be put into effect as soon as possible in the new year.