Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 6

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

Denis Naughten

Question:

195 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the reason the driver theory test cannot be deferred in a similar manner to the driving test; the reason an applicant has to ring the UK to cancel the test appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26850/02]

Denis Naughten

Question:

196 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the reason a driver theory test for a person (details supplied) could not be deferred; the reason the test could not be cancelled even though the reason for cancelling only became evident on the day the call was made to the DTT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26851/02]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.

The driver theory testing service is operated by Prometric Thomson Learning as a public private partnership project on behalf of my Department. Test appointments are arranged by the driver theory testing service and not by my Department. The contractor for the service operates a call centre in Manchester through which appointments are processed. The standards of service in relation to test appointments and cancellation of tests are contained in the customer charter for the driver theory testing service. Tests may be cancelled by giving a minimum of five working days notice either in writing or by telephone. The test appointment notice also refers to the minimum notice for cancellation. The service may be contacted by telephone at LoCall number 1890 606106.

The driver theory testing service has procedures in place for dealing with complaints, including any in relation to cancellation of test appointments by test applicants, which may be addressed to the customer service manager at PO Box 144, Drogheda, County Louth. The granting of further tests without payment of fees would be a matter for determination by the driver theory testing service as part of the complaints consideration process.