Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 5

Written Answers. - Driving Test Licences.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

90 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment the reason applicants for category B and W driving tests who successfully pass their test for these categories receive a B licence which does not permit them to drive a car with a trailer attached but they receive a W licence which permits them to drive a tractor with a trailer attached; and if he will outline the steps, if any, he proposes to take to rectify this anomaly and thereby restore equality in both categories.

Minister for the Environment (Dr. O'Hanlon)

In view of the fundamental differences between cars designed for use on public roads and work vehicles and land tractors designed primarily for use at low speeds other than on public roads, I am satisfied that no anomaly exists. The category B licence entitles a person to drive a car with a trailer which does not exceed 750 kilograms in design gross weight, or where the trailer and car together do not exceed 3,500 kilograms in design gross weight and the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the car.