asked the Minister for Local Government whether a person presenting himself for a class D driving licence test is required to drive a vehicle of a particular weight; if so, of what weight; if there is a variation between the minimum weight covered by a class D licence and the weight of the vehicle required for a driving test; if he is aware of hardship caused to persons who do not own and are not in a position to obtain on loan a vehicle of the required weight; and if he will take steps to remove the cause of such hardship.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Driving Licence Test.
13.
A person presenting himself for a driving test is required to provide a vehicle sufficiently representative of the class in which he wishes to be tested. Class D includes all commercial road vehicles weighing more than 2 tons unladen and a suitable vehicle for a test in this class is generally described as one of at least 3½ tons unladen weight.
The purpose of requiring an applicant to provide a vehicle representative of the class in which he is to be tested is aimed at ensuring equality of test for the particular class. I am aware that some applicants for class D tests have had initial difficulties in securing a suitable vehicle for the test but have generally been able to overcome these difficulties. This and other matters which arise in connection with the testing of drivers are under constant examination so that hardship can be reduced while maintaining equality of tests.