Jim Higgins
Question:159 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if a decision has been taken to transfer the existing driving testing section to an executive agency. [24682/01]
Written Answers. - Driving Tests.
I announced on the 23 August 2001 that the Government had decided to set up a public sector agency to deliver the driver testing service. The decision followed a review of the service by consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers. The new agency will be headquartered in Ballina, County Mayo, from where the driver testing service is currently administered by the Department. The consultants' report is available on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.
David Stanton
Question:160 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if people who have passed the theory test for provisional licences in the United Kingdom and who also are holders of such licences can receive Irish provisional driving licences without having to sit the theory test again; if not, the reason such an exchange is not allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24742/01]
Arrangements for the mutual recognition of driving licences within the EU are governed by the provisions of EU Directive 91/439 which provides for the mutual recognition of full EU driving licences but not provisional licences. Moreover, in order to obtain a full driving licence a person must be normally resident in a member state and must undergo both the theoretical and practical driving tests applicable in that member state. Accordingly, there are currently no arrangements between Ireland and the UK for the mutual recognition of provisional driving licences or to enable persons who have passed the theoretical test in one state to obtain a provisional licence elsewhere.
David Stanton
Question:161 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of people waiting to sit a theory test for provisional driving licences; his views on the operation of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24743/01]
From the introduction of the driver theory test on 11 June 2001 to 15 October 2001, 25,674 tests had been conducted with a pass rate of 82.7%. At present 6,000 applicants are awaiting the test. The standard of service set out in the customer charter for the Driver Theory Testing Service provides that, at centres undertaking more than 250 tests per annum, tests will be offered within two weeks of the applicant's preferred date at the centre nominated. In other centres, tests are to be offered within four weeks of the applicant's preferred date at the centre nominated.