Monday 10 November 2014
Environment Department response to media enquiry from Guernsey Press.
Guernsey Press Enquiry:
We have received information that the Environment Department is considering stopping the way in which qualified drivers are allowed to co-drive learner drivers. The information we have received suggests that the changes being considered would be mean that only qualified driving instructors would be allowed to teach learner drivers.
Can the department confirm this? If so, how far advanced are the plans? Why is it considering doing this?
Has this got anything to do with the register of driving instructors being proposed?
I have also received information that Environment is looking to reduce the amount of time a learner motorcyclist has before they have to take their test. The information received suggests that this would be from two years to one year?
Can the department confirm this? If so, how far advanced are the plans? And why is it considering doing this?
Are there any other plans to change the driving licences laws?
If so, what?
I should be grateful if the department could respond by 5pm today. Please can you let me know if this will be possible.
Environment Department Response:
In relation to the supervision of learner drivers, the Department has submitted a States report proposing the introduction of a Register of Driving Instructors which is due to be debated at the December States meeting. The report commences on page 2865 of the Billet and can be accessed by clicking on the following link http://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=92905&p=0
The report proposes the establishment of a Register of Driving Instructors and the introduction of a legal requirement for anyone offering driving tuition for payment or reward to be a Registered Driving Instructor. However, there is no intention to alter the present restrictions on teaching an individual to drive where there is no element of payment or reward in return for instruction. Therefore, parents, friends etc will still be able to provide driving tuition providing that they have held a full driving licence in the relevant category for at least one year.
With regard to motorcyclists, there were a number of proposed changes relating to driving licences and theory and practical testing arrangements included in the Integrated Transport Strategy that were approved by the States. These can be found in paragraphs 98 - 100, pages 750 - 752, of the billet and can be accessed by clicking on the following link http://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=86937&p=0
The necessary legislative and procedural changes required in order to facilitate these will be progressed by the Department in due course as resources permit.
Contact Information:
Colin Le Page, Principal Traffic Officer (Strategy and Projects)
Environment Department
Tel: 243400
