Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 10

Written Answers. - Driving Test Figures.

John Connor

Question:

110 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline for (a) 1990 and (b) to 30 June 1991, the number of persons who were examined for the driving test in the following centres (1) Roscommon, (2) Longford, (3) Carrick-on-Shannon and (4) Athlone; the numbers tested in each of these centres in the given periods who failed the test; and if, in view of these figures, he intends to make changes in the driving test procedures.

Minister for the Environment (Dr. O'Hanlon)

Following is the information in respect of the period 1 January to 30 June 1991:

Test Centre	Total Tested	Total Passed	Total Failed
Roscommon	467	293	174
Longford	520	247	273
Carrick-on-Shannon	339	233	106
Athlone	522	388	134

Information in respect of 1990 is not readily available as the administration was not computerised at that time and the amount of time and effort required to compile the information at this stage would not be justified.

The driving test procedures are in accordance with the requirements of an EC Directive and I have no proposals to change them. However, with the better and more timely information flow now available from computerisation, I am arranging for more effective monitoring of test results in different centres with a view to determining what action, if any, may be necessary to ensure that inequalities as between centres do not arise from inconsistency in the application of the test.