§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish his proposals for driving licence tests.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe review of the driver testing and training organisation that was announced on 5 March this year has been looking at ways of improving the provision of tests.
Demand for driving tests has risen by 10 per cent. over the past four years and is running at 2 million annually. The average waiting time for a test rose to 17 weeks in 1985–86. Recruitment and efficiency measures have brought this down to 14 weeks. We want to see this cut significantly.
One problem is that half those taking tests have insufficient skills to pass. They add to the queues when they book further tests.
The review has now been completed. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport will make an announcement shortly.