Pat Upton
Question:167 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment if he will have arrangements made to have a small number of driver testers specially trained to deal with candidates who are particularly nervous when taking the driving test.
Written Answers. - Driving Tests.
The driving test, of its nature, involves an element of stress which is unavoidable. Testers are trained to recognise and minimise this and to deal with applicants in a manner which is conducive to calmness in the test vehicle. In the circumstances, I do not consider it appropriate to make special arrangements for the persons referred to.
Pat Upton
Question:168 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment if he will alter the protocol for the driving test so as to take into account factors such as the length of time a candidate has held a provisional driving licence, accidents and traffic offences.
I do not consider it appropriate to alter driving test requirements in this manner. In any event, the factors to be taken into consideration in the conduct of the test are laid down in an EC Directive to which Irish law must conform.