NV test defended
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The Government has slapped down demands for a stricter HGV driving test — and at the same time praised examiners for their skill and patience.
At Westminster last week Roads and Traffic Minister Peter Bottomley came under pressure to shake up the truck driver training and testing scheme which one MP suggested was unsatisfactory.
Sir Anthony Grant (Cambridgeshire South West) hit out at lorry drivers and questioned the standards of training at official centres.
"My observation is that the standard of heavy goods vehicle driving is not improving and is in many cases deteriorating," he said. The Government was also challenged by Barry Jones MP, who demanded better facilities for truck driver training, especially at the Llay Transport Training Centre in his Clwyd, North Wales constituency.
Bottomley, however, said: "We are satisfied with the standard of the test."
He admitted that there is dissatisfaction in Whitehall with the number of drivers who fail their test, particularly car examinees — 50% of whom do not meet the grade.
"I believe that if 20% of them could hold back and receive proper training it would make it much easier to cut the waiting times," Bottomley told the Commons last week.