Data on the use of retesting as a penalty for dangerous driving has been obtained from a number of sources. Analysis of this data, and an investigation into court procedures, was carried out to monitor the impact of retesting since its introduction in July 1992. The results show that although the imposition of an extended retest is intended to be mandatory when a driver is convicted of dangerous driving the courts have not imposed it, or the standard retest, in the majority of cases. It is also clear that the method by which the imposition by a court of this penalty is communicated to DVLA, in order that it is enforced before a full licence is reinstated, needs examination and clarification. Although the numbers of retests are increasing each year the percentage of convictions which carry this penalty are relatively low. The standard retest is still being used more often than the extended retest. There is no evidence to suggest that the likelihood of having any retest imposed increases with the severity of the offence. (A)
Abstract