John Browne
Question:53 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for the Environment if he has examined the reasons for the high failure rate in driving tests at each test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2374/94]
Written Answers. - Driving Test Failure Rate.
Peter Barry
Question:60 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Environment if he has examined the reasons for the high failure rate in driving tests at each test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2377/94]
Phil Hogan
Question:62 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment if he has examined the reasons for the high failure rate in driving tests at each test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2379/94]
Paul Bradford
Question:66 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for the Environment if he has examined the reasons for the high failure rate in driving tests at each test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2375/94]
Mary Flaherty
Question:74 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for the Environment if he has examined the reasons for the high failure rate in driving tests at each test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2381/94]
Seán Barrett
Question:105 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment the reasons for the high failure rate in driving tests at each test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2415/94]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 60, 62, 66, 74 and 105 together.
The average failure rate, nationally, for driving tests in the year to 7 October 1994 was 46.3 per cent and this level has varied only marginally over the years. The factors taken into consideration in the conduct of the driving test are laid down in an EU Directive and are prescribed in Irish law. The test is designed to ensure that holders of driving licences can drive competently and safely and with due regard for the convenience and safety of other road users. Quite apart from the necessity to comply with EU law, it would be inappropriate to lower the standard of test to enable a higher proportion of applicants to pass.
I am fully conscious of the need to monitor the conduct of driving tests in order to ensure compliance with the legal requirements and to ensure, as far as possible, uniformity and equity in the application of tests. To this end, the performance of driver testers is monitored by supervisory driver testers whose activities, in turn, are supervised by a chief tester. Supervisory testers, from time to time, travel in vehicles while tests are being conducted in order to observe at first hand the performance of the tester, to permit subsequent discussion of the test with the driver tester, and to make suggestions for any changes in conduct. In addition, test results are analysed by reference to test centres, individual driver testers, and categories of vehicles, with a view to identifying any measures that may be necessary to ensure uniformity of standards. Training and retraining of testers is also carried out