asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take steps to abolish the necessity of using hand signals in order to pass the driving test.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Driving Test Hand Signals.
80.
The giving of signals by hand is well within the capabilities of the competent driver. I do not propose to remove from the driving test the requirement that the driver should give a simple demonstration of his ability to use them. I consider this a necessary feature of the test.
In view of the fact that in modern cars it is extremely difficult to give the hand-signal which is required under the regulations and also in view of the fact that even the Minister's own drivers never give a hand signal, would the Minister not agree that the continuance of this requirement in modern conditions is just another bar to people passing the test?
No, it is necessary and it is a reasonable requirement that every driver should be able to do this.
The Minister never gave a hand signal in his life and he knows that.
He did.