Vol. 517 No. 5
15 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the discussions, if any, he has had with driving instructors in relation to the establishment of a statutory driving instructors register; the format of a register envisaged by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10011/00]
Proposals for the improved quality control and-or regulation of driving instruction have already been announced. These proposals provide that in general from 1 January 2002 driving instructors, if they wish to continue instructing, will have to undergo a compulsory test of their competence to instruct. The proposals also, however, provide that where driving instructors are registered with a recognised body which meets certain agreed criteria, they will be exempt from this test.
An information meeting, open to individuals and representative bodies involved in driving instruction, was organised by my Department on 22 March 2000 and provided briefing in relation to the above. Arrangements were also made at this meeting for a working group to develop recommendations for the standards to be met by recognised bodies. This work will now be taken forward.
