Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
307. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allow essential workers who do not already have a date for their driver test to complete their 12 mandatory driving lessons under level 5 restrictions in order that they can apply for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14648/21]
View answerDuring the current level 5 restrictions, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may only conduct lessons in circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date.
My Department is very aware of the difficulty this poses to essential workers who are unable to avail of instruction because they have not yet completed the 12 lessons required to book a test. As only limited services are being provided at present in order to minimise the spread of Covid, it was decided that driving instruction may continue as an essential service, but in extremely limited circumstances.
While I very much regret the inconvenience and frustration that this might cause to both learners and instructors, I am sure the Deputy will agree that public safety must take priority here.
