Vol. 524 No. 2
329 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans he has to introduce any system of screening or checks in order to assess the suitability of applicants for provisional driving licences to operate a mechanically propelled vehicle on our roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22061/00]
The provisional licensing system operates to enable a person to learn to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle before undergoing a driving test and obtaining a driving licence. When a person is issued their first provisional licence they are allowed to drive only while accompanied by, and under the supervision of, a person holding a driving licence in the appropriate category.
A driver theory test will be introduced in 2001 as an additional requirement for novice drivers. This will cover in greater depth than the existing practical driving test such areas as knowledge of the rules of the road, risk perception, hazard awareness and good driving behaviour.
