Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004
824 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the details of the training regime and standards which are applied in the training of driving testers; if driving testers in training sit any examination; if so, the nature thereof; and if not, the way in which aptitude, ability and competence for their work is otherwise assessed. [1716/04]
View answerArrangements for the recruitment of driver testers are principally the responsibility of the Civil Service Commission. As part of the recruitment process, candidates for the position of driver testers are obliged to undertake a psychometric test which assesses their suitability for the position. Candidates are also interviewed and undergo a test of their driving ability.
The driving test in Ireland is designed in accordance with the requirements of the European Directive 91/439/EEC on driving licenses, which sets out the skills that a driver must demonstrate during a driving test.
Following recruitment each driver tester undergoes a six week 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 to ensure that a uniform standard of test is maintained. There are procedures in place to ensure that further training is provided if difficulties in applying this standard are identified.
All driver testers underwent a comprehensive two week refresher training programme in 2002 which covered procedures for carrying out driving tests, guidelines for assessing driving faults and training to enhance customer service in the delivery of the driving test.
