Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 4

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

Denis Naughten

Question:

346 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 20 November 2002, the way in which motorists are expected to become proficient and safe users of motorways if driving instructors are prohibited from giving instruction on motorways; if his Department has examined practice in this matter in other EU states; the way in which Irish practice compares with practice in other EU states; the way in which Irish practice fits in with the Government's stated objective of improving road safety and driving standards; the specific aspects of passing a driving test which make a successful applicant a suitable motorway driver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24550/02]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

Driving instructors may give instruction on motorway driving to provisional licence holders or to full licence holders. The limitation on holders of provisional licences driving on a motorway prohibits the holders of such licences from driving on the motorways but does not prohibit them receiving instruction from driving instructors who are carrying out the driving.

The driving test is designed to assess the general competence of a person to drive. Passing the test is not the end of the learning process and persons should continue to build up their experience in driving in different traffic, weather and road conditions, including driving on motorways. Irish practice in relation to driving instruction on motorways is in line with the position in Northern Ireland and the UK generally. Information in respect of the position in EU member states regarding the matter of driving instruction on motorways is not readily available in my Department.