§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that the Driving Standards Agency introduces the new requirements under the Second EC Driving Licence Directive as an add on to the existing UK arrangements for motorcycle tests; and if he will make a statement. [119925]
§ Mr. JamiesonEuropean legislation adopted in 2000 requires Member States to conduct practical motorcycling tests that include extra and more demanding specific exercises than are currently contained in the UK test, in particular the inclusion of higher speed manoeuvring and braking exercises. Member States were required to implement these higher testing standards no later than October 2005, though the European Commission have indicated that they will shortly be bringing forward amending legislation that will allow a further three years for implementation.
We consulted in 2001 about the new European driving test standards, which affect theory as well as practical tests, plus tests taken by learners for other types of motor vehicle. The responses suggested that that the new higher speed exercises in the motorcycling test could only be tested safely and to a common standard off the public road.
Making provision for an off-road element in the motorcycling test would have significant estates and expenditure implications for the Driving Standards Agency. Therefore in 2002 we undertook further consultation about possible service delivery options involving both DSA and non-DSA delivery. The consultation period closed in April, and the responses are being analysed. We intend to announce our decisions later this year. These decisions will in due course be given effect in the domestic regulations that set out the driving test requirements.