HC Deb 29 October 1996 vol 284 cc98-9W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State [or Transport what action he is taking to reduce the waiting times for driving tests. [18]

Mr. Bowis

The Driving Standards Agency has recruited some 170 contract examiners and delayed the planned retirement of existing examiners. The agency has targeted those centres where demand is greatest and has made more tests available on Saturday and weekday evenings.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has made of the current incidence of impersonation in respect of driving test. [17]

Mr. Bowis

Since 1 January 1996, some 150 cases of possible candidate impersonation at the practical driving test have been reported to the police, although none of these cases has yet resulted in conviction. There have been no reported cases of suspected impersonations at the driving theory test.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take further action to enforce legislation that ensures that candidates undertaking driving tests are allowed to do so only after producing a signed driving licence. [16]

Mr. Bowis

Driving test candidates are required to present their signed driving licence at the beginning of their theory or practical driving test. When the licence is unsigned, the candidate must sign it before the test starts. From 1 March 1997, candidates will be required to produce photographic identification with their licence at both theory and practical tests.