To ask Her Majesty's Government what has been the renewal rate of the first round of 10-year driving licences; what action they have taken to increase that rate; and what further steps they plan to take. [HL1922]

Between July 2008 and March 2009 the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued 227,626 renewal reminders and 172,631 drivers have to date renewed the photograph. This is a compliance rate of 76 per cent.

Renewal reminders are sent to licence holders two months before expiry of their photograph to ensure they know when their photograph is due for renewal.

The DVLA is reviewing 10-year renewal compliance and plans to conduct market research to identify reasons for non-compliance and the most effective methods to improve compliance levels.