Driver Test

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021

Wednesday, 3 March 2021

Questions (119)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

119. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport his plans to permit learner drivers who have already commenced the 12 lessons as part of the essential driver training course to complete this course under current restrictions given that some of those waiting to complete their lessons are essential front-line workers and they cannot sit their test until all 12 lessons are complete and only those who have a test date can book driving lessons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11234/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Announcements made by An Taoiseach on 23 February confirmed that level 5 restrictions are set to continue until 5 April, at which point the situation will be reviewed.

As before, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons under these restrictions, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date.

While I very much regret the difficulty this poses to learners who had previously commenced, but not yet completed, the 12 mandatory lessons required to book a test, I must remind the Deputy that this decision has been taken in line with official public health recommendations that everyone in Ireland work to limit the spread of the virus by staying at home in so far as is possible.