COMPULSORY driving tests every 10 years would have little impact on road safety, according to driver training experts. A group of MEPs wants regular testing to be introduced - with the threat of driving bans for motorists who fail the tests - and the proposal is being considered by the European Parliament as part of a wider review of road safety.

However, BSM Fleet Training managing director Chris Reynolds said it was training, and not testing, which had an impact on driver safety. 'I think such a measure would be inappropriate. They are right to highlight that something must be done, but the question we have is whether a blanket five- or 10-year test is the right approach.'

The Institute of Advanced Motorists said regular compulsory tests would be an administrative nightmare and achieve little.

MEP Mark Watts, a member of the European Parliament's transport committee, said regular driving tests were being considered as part of a wider examination of road safety issues. This would lead to the publication of a report in the spring. The idea of 10-year testing has been welcomed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. It says such tests should include psychological and technical assessment and could lead to the widening of driver training.