Road Safety Bill [HL]

This clause amends Section 36 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act by substituting a new version of the definition of ““appropriate driving test””. The new definition would enable the Secretary of State to prescribe regulations when the appropriate driving test is an extended test. The clause also requires the Secretary of State to consult with such representatives as he thinks fit before making an order under this clause. I shall ask the Minister a number of questions about how he envisages this clause will work in practice. In particular, in what circumstances will the Secretary of State deem it necessary to prescribe the use of an extended test? It would be helpful if the Minister could give us further details of what exactly would be incorporated in the terms of an extended test. Furthermore, what is the difference between an extended test and a test of competence to drive, which is not an extended driving test as detailed in subsection 3(b) of the clause? How many individuals does the Minister envisage would be expected to participate in this extended test in any given year? Would the financial implications be both for the driver and for the test centre? The Minister told us how much it costs to take a driving test, so I do not know how much it would cost to take this extended test. In short, who will pick up the costs of this? Finally, which representative organisations would the Secretary of State consult before making an order under this section; and, indeed, for what purpose would such a consultation take place?