Gerry Reynolds
Question:362 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has plans to change the criteria regarding applications for provisional licences. [25063/01]
Written Answers. - Provisional Driving Licences.
The requirement to pass the theory test before being granted a first provisional licence has applied since the 11 June 2001. This requirement was indicated in advance in the Government's Road Safety Strategy, 1998-2002, and it is not proposed to change it.
The driver theory testing service is operated as a public private partnership project. The tendering process determined the test fee of £25.20 or 32. The cost of the book or CD-ROM containing the question bank for the test was determined by the contractor operating the driver theory testing service having regard to the cost of publication-production of these items.
Payment for the test may be made in a variety of ways, including payment by credit card, debit card, cheque, postal order and, in exceptional cir cumstances, by cash. A test appointment may be booked by post or alternatively by telephone in which instance payment is by credit card. This latter arrangement facilitates the quick booking of a test appointment without the necessity of having to post a completed application form.
A key performance standard contained in the customer charter for the driver theory testing service is that tests are to be offered at centres undertaking more than 250 tests per annum within two weeks of a candidate's preferred date. In other less used centres, tests are to be offered within two months of the preferred date at the chosen centre.
The introduction of the test is a significant road safety measure and the costs to individuals must be viewed in the context of the benefit of the test to them in ensuring knowledge of good driving principles and road safety in general.