6. What discussions has the Minister had regarding the availability of tests and revision material for the driving theory test in Welsh? OAQ54328

The Welsh Language Commissioner has confirmed that theory tests are available in Welsh in every centre in Wales and that the DVSA intend to publish an online version of the revision materials before the end of the year. The revision material is also available in Welsh already in hard copy.

Well, I will sit down immediately and say, ’Thank you very much.’ But this is an issue that goes back a long way. I think it was in 2014-15 that I was in correspondence with the DVSA about this issue, because you're quite right in saying that the tests are available in Welsh and have been for years, but given that the online revision material isn't available—surprise, surprise—what people tend to do when practising in English is to decide to take the test in English. I'm pleased that this is happening now. I received a letter on 19 January 2015:

'You'll see from our letters to the Commissioner that we propose to re-examine the potential costs and benefits of developing an online driving theory test practice service in Welsh.'

It has taken four and a half years, but I will claim it as a minor victory.

Well, I'm pleased that you're able to do so. Of course, what's important now is that we encourage people to use the service and that we see an increase in the number of people doing so because, at present, only 58 people sat the theory test, which is 0.07 per cent. And, of course, one can understand why that happens, but we hope that we will see an increase in that figure. The next step, of course, is to create what young people would use to do that test, namely a Welsh language app. It might be an idea for the Welsh Language Commissioner to see whether he could bring pressure to bear to get a Welsh language app because that's the way in which young people learn in order to pass the theory test.

Thank you very much, Minister.