Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021
60. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if there is an update on driver lessons for non-essential workers; if he will clarify a date for their resumption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38346/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, road safety policy during the pandemic has depended on public health decisions taken by Government, on the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team. A decision was taken in April 2021 to allow the gradual reopening of driver instruction from 10 May. Initial basic training (IBT) for learner motorcyclists has now resumed in full. Essential driver training (EDT) for cars may now take place where the learner is a confirmed essential worker.
There is currently no legal impediment to the provision of driving lessons for non-essential workers, provided public health guidelines are adhered to. However, the position is that these lessons can resume where the non-essential worker in question is willing to book a class and the instructor is willing to teach it. It does not mean that instruction has to resume, or that driving instructors are obliged to teach against their will.
As the Deputy will be aware, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIS) are entirely independent operators and neither the Road Safety Authority nor the Department can dictate how they run their individual businesses. It is up to each driving instructor or driving school to make the appropriate choices to protect themselves and their families.
