Vol. 555 No. 2
355 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if an application for a written theory test can be brought forward for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17973/02]
The driver theory testing service is operated as a public private partnership project. 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. Test appointments are arranged by the driver theory testing service and not by my Department. The service may be contacted at LoCall number 1890-606106. Correspondence may be addressed to the customer service manager at PO Box 144, Drogheda, County Louth.
356 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the training received by driving testers; if this is on an ongoing basis; and the steps taken to ensure consistency of standards in such tests. [18019/02]
Following recruitment each driver tester undergoes a six weeks training course which covers all aspects of the driving test. The work of driver testers is monitored on an ongoing basis by supervisory driver testers with a view to ensuring that a uniform standard of test is maintained.
All driver testers have undergone a comprehensive two week refresher training programme this year which covered procedures for carrying out the test, guidelines to assess faults and training to enhance customer service in the delivery of the driving test.
357 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport whether, if a person does the theory part of the driving test in England and passes it, that theory test can suffice here as an Irish theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18380/02]
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.
