Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2013
713. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the regulations governing the courses provided by driving schools for those wishing to become driving instructors in the context of the huge surplus of such people; and the amount of money it is costing them to take the courses. [31800/13]
View answerRoad Traffic (Driving Instructor Licensing) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 sets out the requirements for a person wishing to be registered as an approved driving instructor. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) regulates driving instruction, and maintains a register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs). In order to be registered as an ADI, a person must pass three tests, or receive exemption from one or more of those tests on grounds of verifiable qualifications. The tests are set by the RSA in accordance with the above Regulations.
Action 32 of the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 commits the RSA to ‘Develop and Implement a programme for the compulsory initial and periodic training for driving instructors.’ This should bring greater clarity for both prospective driving instructors and their trainers. There is no limit on the number of people who may be registered as ADIs at any given time, and likewise no limit on the number of people who may choose to train as driving instructors. I do not believe that it would be appropriate to limit either by regulation.
