Driver Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

Questions (2346)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

2346. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person is still treated as a driver with a learner permit until such time as the subsequent application for a full licence is processed and the person receives the full licence which can take weeks depending on the backlog when a person passes a driver test and receives a certificate of competency from the tester at the time of the test; if legislation will be reviewed in order that the person that passes their driver test is immediately treated as holding a full licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31948/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

A certificate of competency entitles a person to apply for a driving licence. To obtain a driving licence, an application must be made to the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) on Form D401, and the required documentation, as listed on the form, provided. Until the application is processed which normally takes 3 - 5 days, a driving licence cannot be issued.

As a certificate of competency is valid for 2 years, it would not be appropriate to treat the holder of the certificate as holding a full licence. I do not plan to review the legislation in this regard.