Explanatory Notes

Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003

2003 CHAPTER 32

30 October 2003

Commentary on Sections

Schedule 5: Minor and consequential amendments

191.Schedule 5 contains minor and consequential amendments, including the following in relation to road traffic.

Paragraph 26: Amendment of section 109 of RTA 1988 - Northern Ireland provisional licences

192.Sub-paragraph (a) provides that the holder of a Northern Ireland provisional driving licence will no longer be treated in Great Britain as the holder of a full Northern Ireland driving licence. A person's authorisation to drive in Great Britain as the holder of a Northern Ireland licence extends only to driving in accordance with that licence.

Paragraphs 45 to 60: Amendments to the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995

193.The amendments to the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 provide for the early termination in Great Britain of the probationary period for the holder of a Northern Ireland driving licence in similar circumstances to those applying to the holder of a Great Britain driving licence, except that, as regards revocation, it is not the licence which is revoked, but the permission to drive in Great Britain conferred by section 109(1) of the RTA 1988. As for revocations on medical grounds, the Secretary of State is obliged to inform the Northern Ireland authorities of any such revocation involving a Northern Ireland licence. The amendments also provide that a Northern Ireland licence-holder whose entitlement has been revoked under a corresponding provision of Northern Ireland law shall be subject to the requirement to satisfy the Secretary of State on a re-test.