Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2005
128 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the reason the new technical requirements of the driving test with regard to knowing the way in which ten parts of a vehicle are checked and serviced were introduced; if he plans to introduce further technical requirements to the driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4770/05]
View answerThe technical checks, which form part of the driving test with effect from 14 February 2005, are being introduced to meet our obligations under EU Directive 2000/56/EC on driver licensing. The technical checks involve candidates being asked to explain how she-he might carry out three out of a number of checks on the vehicle. If, for example, a person is asked to show how oil levels should be checked, it will be necessary to open the bonnet, point to the oil dipstick and explain how oil levels should be checked. A test candidate will not have to actually carry out the procedure.
Additional technical checks relating principally to trucks and buses will be introduced when suitable off-road compounds become available at selected test centres around the country. The Office of Public Works in consultation with my Department is in the process of providing such compounds. However, although the test is kept under review, no further checks are planned for the ordinary — category B — car test at this stage.
