Helen Keogh
Question:33 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself with the manner in which young drivers are currently prepared for driving tests and for a lifetime of safe driving. [16337/95]
Written Answers. - Learner Drivers.
Peter Barry
Question:46 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation making it mandatory for driving schools to be licensed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14914/95]
Helen Keogh
Question:55 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself with the manner in which young drivers are currently prepared for driving tests and for a lifetime of safe driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16331/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 46 and 55 together.
All of the elements of the driving test, which is an integral part of any programme of driver training, are regulated by, and consistent with, EU requirements. I have already indicated that a review of the driving test system is being carried out and that this will, as a minimum, lead to significant changes in the theory element of the test; in accordance with EU requirements, these changes must be in place by July of next year.
While section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 1968, gives the necessary statutory power to regulate the business of driving instructors, I have no proposals at this stage to activate this section. I have, however, met the two national associations representing motor schools and driving instructors who, in association with the Irish Insurance Federation, are developing a scheme of voluntary registration of instructors which will include provision for the training and independent examination of instructors. The intention is that learner drivers who complete a course of instruction will qualify for a reduction in insurance premiums.
I have emphasised to the organisations concerned that I am anxious that the voluntary register is put in place as quickly as possible. At a later stage, in the light of experience of the operation of the voluntary scheme, I will review the necessity for more formal regulation of driving instruction.