Deirdre Clune
Question:81 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the procedure one has to go through to become a qualified driving instructor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19312/98]
Written Answers. - Driving Instructor Register.
A driving instructor must have appropriate insurance cover and hold a full driving licence for the category of vehicle in which he is giving driving instruction. Apart from these requirements there are no statutory or regulatory requirements in force relating to practice as a driving instructor.
Many driving instructors are currently enrolled under the voluntary Driving Instructor Register which is financially supported by my Department and the Irish Insurance Federations and involves driving instructors undergoing an examination procedure in order to become enrolled on the register. In the context of the Government Strategy for Road Safety 1998-2002 my Department has offered to provide additional financial assistance to the Driving Instructor Register to enable it to attain an appropriate quality certification so as to further enhance confidence in, and recognition of it.