HC Deb 10 December 2003 vol 415 cc518-9W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to include all test centres run by the Driving Standards Agency among the places at which driving assessments recommended by the Medical Adviser to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency can be carried out. [143274]

Mr. Jamieson

DVLA's Medical Advisers do on occasions ask drivers to undergo driving assessments in order to help determine their fitness to drive. Referrals are only made to driving assessment centres which are members of the Forum of Disabled Drivers Assessment and Mobility Centres. Such Centres are experienced at assessing drivers with medical conditions and specifically assess the impact of medical conditions upon driving behaviour and whether performance can be enhanced by either tuition or vehicle modification. For these reasons, DVLA prefers to use disability assessment centres rather than ask individuals to take a standard 'pass or fail' driving test. However, if an individual has particular problems in attending at an assessment centre, the Agency is able to refer the individual for a formal driving test with the Driving Standards Agency.

Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the places where driving assessments recommended by the Medical Adviser to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency can be carried out. [143275]

Mr. Jamieson

A list of the driving assessment centres can be found at pages 37 and 38 of the Agency's booklet "At a Glance Guide to the current Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive". I am arranging for copies of the booklet to be placed in the Libraries of the House. This document is also available on the internet at: www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/dmedl.htm.