§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has had on the periodic retesting of all qualified drivers; whether he now has any plans for such testing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyAll newly qualified drivers are strongly encouraged to continue to develop their driving skills and, after gaining experience, to undertake a further driving test such as those organised by the Institute of Advanced Motorists and ROSPA.
We are quite frequently asked to consider periodic retesting of all drivers. It is not considered that the considerable resources required to retest all drivers on a routine basis would be justified by a significant improvement in the number of road casualties.
The recently published report of the road traffic law review contains a recommendation that there should be increased use of orders for retesting of those drivers guilty of offences showing serious deficiencies in their driving skills or attitudes. The Government are considering this report.