Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2004
98 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding driving testers, including the total number in the country, the qualifications required to become a driving tester, the training given to such testers and the steps taken to ensure an even standard of testing. [19896/04]
View answerThe corps of driver testers consists of a chief tester, ten supervisory testers and 111 driver testers, 19 of whom are employed on a contract basis.
Details of qualifications which candidates were required to possess for the last competition conducted by the Civil Service Commission included: a good general education; a satisfactory knowledge of the "Rules of the Road", road procedures and the law relating to road traffic in so far as it concerns the driver of a mechanically propelled vehicle; at least five years satisfactory driving experience within the seven years ending on 25 June 1998; a general understanding of the working of mechanically propelled vehicles; report writing skill with a particular reference to accuracy, clarity and conciseness; a clean driving licence, other than a provisional licence, valid in the State on the day of the test; excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; the capacity to remain calm and courteous in dealing with applicants; and otherwise possess the requisite knowledge and ability and be suitable to enter on the discharge of the duties of the position.
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. Procedures exist 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.
