Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
297 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the availability of driving testers in County Monaghan; if testing is now only taking place on a bi-weekly basis; the waiting time for having a test; his views on whether this is causing further stress and costs on many persons who have to pay high insurance as provisional drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29660/04]
View answerThe current average waiting time for a driving test at the Monaghan test centre is 33 weeks. By the end of this year driving tests equivalent to 55 weeks' work will have been carried out at the test centre during 2004. At least one driver tester is assigned to carry out tests at the centre for each of the remaining weeks of this year. My Department will seek to arrange an early test for candidates who provide documentary evidence of the need for an urgent test.
298 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if there are guidelines by which a driving licence can be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Louth in view of special circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29746/04]
View answerRegulations governing the issue of driving licences by licensing authorities have for many years provided that an application to renew a lapsed driving licence may be submitted without a certificate of competency to drive if a person makes such application within a period of ten years from the date of expiry of the previous driving licence. After ten years has elapsed, a person must first pass the driver theory test, apply for a provisional licence and undergo the driving test to obtain a driving licence.
299 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport if an application for a driving licence from a person (details supplied) in County Sligo has been received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29788/04]
View answerUnder the Road Traffic Act 1961 and the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 1999 to 2004, it is a matter for the appropriate licensing authority, in this case Sligo County Council, to determine the eligibility of a person for a driving licence, and to issue licences.
300 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be notified of their driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30173/04]
View answerThe applicant has been placed on a cancellation list for a driving test at the Kilkenny driving test centre and a test appointment will be arranged as soon as possible.
