James Breen
Question:179 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he will change his proposals whereby a provisional licence holder must be accompanied by a full licence holder. [6887/03]
Written Answers - Driving Licences.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 80 of 5 February which sets out the position regarding the holders of provisional licences being accompanied by a person who holds a driving licence for the category of vehicle being driven.
I am considering whether further changes are desirable in the regulations relating to provisional licences.
Question No. 180 answered with Question No. 164.
Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 148.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:182 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons now driving on provisional licences; and if he has satisfied himself with the current situation in this regard. [7144/03]
The Department of the Environment and Local Government hold and administers the national driver file. It has advised me that the number of current provisional licences as at the end of December 2002 is 352,400.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 80, reference No: 2888/03, of 5 February which refers to the question of changes to the provisional driver licence system. I also refer him to my reply to Question No. 131 on today's Order Paper in relation to measures being taken to enable driving tests to be offered within the shortest possible time.