Driver Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Questions (1599)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

1599. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if all categories of vehicles permitted to drive as per the back of the new plastic card driving licences should be contained in Section 9 on the front of the new cards issued by the Road Safety Authority; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the W category that covers work vehicles and land tractors is not being included in Section 9 on the front when it is a permitted category on the back of the licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36916/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

All categories of vehicles a person may be permitted to drive as per the back of the new plastic card driving licences may not necessarily be contained in Section 9 on the front of the new plastic driving licence.

The display of categories on the front of a licence will not show all categories if, for example, the holder of a licence in one category is automatically entitled to a licence in another category.  By way of illustration, a holder of a licence in category B ( to drive a car ), is automatically entitled to drive a tractor which is covered by category W.  In such a case, category B only will appear on the front of the licence.  If a person applies for a category W licence only, then W will be shown on the front and rear of the licence.