HC Deb 09 March 1989 vol 148 c626W
Mr. McCusker

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what driving skills training is available to police officers in Northern Ireland; what encouragement is offered to them to take up this training; and how many police officers have taken the advanced driving test in 1986, 1987 and 1988, respectively.

Mr. Ian Stewart

All qualified drivers who join the Royal Ulster Constabulary are given a four-week initial standard driving course as part of their initial training. On passing this course to the required standard they are appointed as police drivers. No officer may drive a police vehicle unless appointed as a police driver. Throughout an officer's career he or she may at any time apply to become an advanced driver or motor cyclist. Each application is considered on its merit and a high percentage are so trained. Numbers trained were as follows:

Advanced driving courses
1986 1987 1988
Number of officers trained 102 90 70
Number passed 97 86 67