Driver Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2014

Thursday, 10 April 2014

Questions (220)

Brendan Smith

Question:

220. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals to reduce the costs for persons who have to upgrade their driving licence and renew same more frequently due to recent changes in regulations, who in many instances are one-person business operations with small delivery trucks and so on, and who need to undertake a theory test and 12 driving lessons and achieve a certificate of competence; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern about these additional costs for small businesses and persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17260/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The requirement to take a theory test before getting a learner permit has existed for a long number of years.  In 2011, I introduced the requirement for learner drivers to undertake twelve lessons before sitting a driving test.  These are important measures aimed at improving the quality of driving overall and enhancing driving skills at the earliest stages. The requirement to undertake formal lessons forms part of an overall Graduated Driver Licence System proposed by the Road Safety Authority for learner drivers.  They are once-off events and apply to all drivers as part of the process of being obtaining a full licence.  They do not add any greater burden on people working in or operating small businesses than on any other citizen.  Periods of grant of licence are the same for these citizens as all others.  

Professional drivers are required to have a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), and there is periodic retraining under the CPC regime.  However, the entire CPC regime, including the requirement for periodic retraining, is an EU-wide system and it not open to Ireland to unilaterally vary this.