Driver Test Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018

Tuesday, 13 November 2018

Questions (483)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

483. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons awaiting driver tests by county; the average and longest wait time in each county; the number of persons who do not turn up for their driver tests each year; if new provisional licences are issued to drivers who do not turn up; the number of such cases that exist each year; the number of persons who achieve multiple licences in this manner; and his plans to close this loophole. [46478/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As driver testing comes under the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days. In the meantime I would direct the Deputy to the relevant section of the RSA website at http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/The-Driving-Test/Test-Waiting-Times/, which lists both the average and longest waiting time for every test centre in the country. This information is updated weekly.

The administration of driver licensing is also a matter for the Road Safety Authority and it would not be appropriate to stop those who have a genuine reason for not turning up for their test from renewing their learner permit. However, the new amendment to the Road Traffic Act 1961 to discourage unaccompanied learner driving is also likely to encourage repeat holders of learner permits to sit their driving test and thereafter obtain a full driving licence.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A