Driver Test Regulations

Wednesday, 31 May 2017

Questions (256)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

256. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if young persons aged 16 and 17 years of age will continue to be able to undertake a driver theory test in view of the new policy applying from June 2017 that all applicants must hold a public services card to sit a driver theory test; if he has received an assurance from the Department of Social Protection that young persons aged 16 and 17 years of age will be able to apply for and receive a public services card which is now a requirement to sit the driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26268/17]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I would like to assure the Deputy that the Road Safety Authority (which has responsibility for the driver theory test) has been working closely with the Department of Social Protection in the implementation of this change.

The Public Services Card (PSC) is available to any person with a PPS Number over 16 years of age. Face-to-face registration for a Public Services Card is called SAFE (Standard Authentication Framework Environment) registration. An appointment to get a PSC can be made online, by phone or by calling into one of the 100 SAFE locations nationwide. Details are available on www.welfare.ie. Once a person has successfully SAFE registered, their PSC will be issued to them within 5-7 working days.