HC Deb 17 February 1988 vol 127 cc613-4W
Mr. Steinberg

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what legislation is(a) in force and (b) proposed concerning the maximum and minimum ages of licensed public service vehicle drivers.

Mr. David Mitchell

The Road Traffic Act 1972 and regulations made under the Act prescribe 21 years as the minimum age for driving public service vehicles with some closely defined exceptions where the minimum age may he reduced to 18 years. Drivers of these vehicles may continue to renew their licences until they fail to satisfy the traffic commissioners as to their fitness to hold a licence. There are no proposals to change these arrangements.

Mr. Steinberg

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what legislation is(a) in force and (b) proposed concerning the physical fitness, and medical examination, of licensed public service vehicle drivers.

Mr. David Mitchell

The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 and the regulations made under the Act require all applicants for public service vehicles drivers' licences to satisfy the traffic commissioners that they are fit to hold the licence. A medical report is required on first application, on each five-year renewal when drivers reach 46 years of age and annually after 65. There is also a general requirement for all drivers to report any medical condition which could affect fitness to drive. Interested bodies are now being consulted on a proposal to require public service vehicle drivers to submit medical reports with licence renewals from the age of 45.