Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many current driving licences that entitle the holder to drive category (a) B and (b) D1 vehicles were issued (a) before and (b) on or after 1 January 1997.

The table below shows the number of driving licence holders with entitlement to drive category B (car) and D1 (minibuses with between nine and 16 passenger seats). The table also shows whether the entitlement was gained before or after 1 January 1997. Please note that drivers who passed a category B test before 1 January 1997 were automatically granted D1 entitlement but could not drive D1 vehicles for hire or reward (NFHR). This entitlement has also been included. Drivers with D1 (NFHR) entitlement must meet the higher medical standards required of Group 2 (HGV/Bus) drivers when their driving licence expires, normally at the age of 70.

* This figure also includes drivers who hold category D1 entitlement from passing a category D (Bus) test.