asked the Minister for the Environment if he will grant a driving test without paying the normal fee to a person (details supplied) in County Galway as he attended for a driving test having informed his Department on the application form that he held an Australian driving licence and complied with the regulations.
Written Answers. - Driving Test.
209.
The holder of an Australian driving licence who takes up residence in Ireland may not drive in this country unless he holds either a valid driving licence or a provisional licence granted in the State. In consequence, where such person is undergoing a driving test he must hold a valid provisional licence.
The person concerned was advised in writing, when his application for a driving test was acknowledged, that he was required to hold a valid provisional licence on the date of the test. Since he did not fulfil this requirement the test could not be conducted. The regulations provide that in such circumstances the fee paid is forfeited. If he wishes to undergo a driving test he must submit a fresh application accompanied by the appropriate fee and hold a valid provisional licence on the date of the test.