§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to raise the minimum age for holding a driving licence. [101353]
§ Mr. Hill[holding answer 6 December 1999]: The training and testing of young and newly qualified car drivers is one of the issues being addressed in the Government's review of road safety strategy. The Government have considered a range of measures which might contribute to improving driving standards and road safety. The Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee recently suggested a minimum period of learning before a car driving test may be taken, and others have suggested changes in the minimum driving age for provisional and/or full licences. However, the Government have not yet reached a conclusion on these matters. We intend to have completed work on a new Road Safety Strategy early in the new year.