Driver Test

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021

Thursday, 16 September 2021

Questions (182)

Gerald Nash

Question:

182. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport his views on the case of a person (details supplied) and other similar cases wherein a person has failed to submit their certificate of competency within the two years of the date of issue due to extraordinary circumstances of Covid-19 and accompanying uncertainty with regard to extension of permits; his further views on whether it is fair that those who have failed to submit their certificate during this Covid-19 period should be required to re-sit and pass a driving test again to obtain a full licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44319/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

In response to the Covid-19 restrictions introduced by the Government in March 2020, Regulations were brought in to extend the period of validity for all driving licences and Certificates of Competency that expired between 1 March and 30 June 2020 for four months.

A further extension was then granted to driving licences and learner permits.  However, these extensions did not apply to Certificates of Competency. A certificate of competency is not a driving licence. It is a certificate to say that the individual has passed a driving test and are competent to drive vehicles of the category indicated on the certificate. Within two years of passing a driving test, applicants must apply for a driving licence.

The validity of Certificates of Competency is set out in legislation which is based on both National and EU law. Making a change to the validity of an existing certificate requires a change in law.

The Department of Transport is now considering proposals from the Road Safety Authority for a possible extension of Certificates of Competency.

Question No. 183 answered orally.