§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons differing provisions apply in respect of the consequences of failure to pass a test within two years to(a) holders of provisional motorcyclist licences and (b) car drivers holding provisional licences; and what plans he has to bring the two provisional licences into line with each other.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleA provisional motorcycle licence is valid for a maximum period of two years and may not be renewed within a year of expiring. Provisional car driving licences remain valid until the holder reaches the age of 70. The reason for these differing provisions is that the holder of a provisional motorcycle licence is entitled to ride unaccompanied and, without this limitation on the period of validity of such a licence, there would be no incentive to attain the standard required to obtain a full licence.