MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVING TESTS (Pass figures and cases of violence against testers)

Dr Ho Tat Kin asked the Minister for Home Affairs, in the last five years, what were the percentages of driving examinees who passed (i) after the first test, (ii) after the second test and (iii) after three or more tests; and how many cases of violence by driving examinees against driving testers were reported during the same period.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs (Dr Lee Boon Yang) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Sir, the Traffic Police do not keep records of the pass rate by the number of attempts made by driving test candidates. Only statistics on average pass rates are kept. The average pass rate for driving tests from 1982 to 1986 fluctuated between 20% and 30%. In 1986, there was an increase in the average pass rate to 24.7% compared to 20.4% in 1985.

During the last five years (1982-1986), there were three reports of assault against testers, two cases in 1983 and one case in 1987. All the culprits were charged in court and punished.

Dr Ho Tat Kin (Boon Teck): Sir, what measure will the Ministry take to assist driving examinees achieve better test results?

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, to achieve better test results, I think a large part of the effort rest on the shoulders of the test candidate himself. He must better prepare himself and take the required number of lessons so that he is totally familiar with the driving skills that is necessary to pass.