Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Written Statement of 16 September 2021, Legislation - Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021, HCWS292, if he will publish the potential scope of an industry led accreditation scheme as referenced in that Statement.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is exploring options for an industry-led accreditation that could offer a standardised non-statutory testing approach, and is engaging with key stakeholders, trainers and insurers, to discuss this issue. It is also in discussions with the training industry to understand their capacity to deliver the off-road manoeuvres element of the vocational test and will work with them to develop a robust and clear process by which to assess, accredit and audit any trainers who wish to assess the manoeuvres element of the test.

The DVSA takes its commitment to road safety extremely seriously and encourages drivers to undertake training to help ensure they are safe and competent to tow larger trailers. It will continue to work with the training industry and other interested parties to provide guidance on training.

The Department will keep any changes made to driving tests under review to ensure they are effective whilst making sure road safety is not compromised.