§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the number of PCV (passenger carrying vehicle) driving examiners: and what steps the Government are taking to reduce the impact on the recruitment by public and private operators of new PCV drivers. [6553]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Driving Standards Agency has 327 driving examiners nationwide who are qualified to conduct PCV practical driving tests. In addition there are 68 examiners employed by bus and coach companies authorised to conduct PCV practical tests of drivers in those companies and a further 114 fire service and police examiners authorised to conduct practical PCV tests for drivers in their authorities.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is running a scheme for a faster service for applications for provisional bus driving licences in response to a request from the Confederation of Passenger Transport. The scheme was initially trialled by several companies nominated by the Confederation before being extended to all bus companies on 1 May 2001. DVLA will turn around applications made under the scheme within 48 hours of receipt and provide a faxed letter of entitlement to drive on the same day the application is processed.