Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
329. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 236 of 10 March 2021, if a decision has been made to date on the proposal by the Road Safety Authority to extend the validity period of initial basic training certificates in line with extensions in respect of NCT and driver licences in view of the ongoing level 5 Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18772/21]
View answer396. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the manner in which certain learner permits are getting an extension to their expiry dates but the initial basic training certificate for learner motorbikes does not get the same extensions. [19665/21]
View answer418. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport his views on matters regarding motorcycle driver testing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20156/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 329, 396 and 418 together.
I can confirm that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has recently submitted a proposal to my Department for a further extension to IBT certificates. This is currently being worked on within my Department. An update is expected shortly.
The provision of driving instruction has been defined in legislation introduced by my colleague, the Minister for Health, as an essential service that may continue under level 5 restrictions, albeit in extremely limited circumstances.
Both Essential Driver Training (EDT) for cars and Initial Basic Training (IBT) for motorcycles are currently suspended. Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons to both driving and motorcycle learners, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already completed their required modules and has been scheduled a test date.
While I fully appreciate the inconvenience this poses to learners who have not yet completed their training, I am sure the Deputy will agree with me that the limiting of the spread of the virus and the safeguarding of public health must take first priority here.
