Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
175. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of learner drivers per week to date in 2023 that failed to turn up for their scheduled driving test appointment; the number of driving tests lost through these no-shows; his plans to introduce measures to ensure that learner permit holders sit a driving test before they can obtain a subsequent learner permit from the RSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53684/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the information requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.At a policy level, the Phase 1 action plan for the Government's Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 has an action to reduce the incidence of learner drivers holding a third or subsequent learner permit, including through measures to promote the taking of a test by learners. All citizens are entitled to feel safe on our roads and successfully passing the National Driving Test is a demonstration of competent, safe driving skills.
As part of plans to reduce the number of people on a third or subsequent consecutive learner permit, the Department and the Authority are considering a range of measures. These include reviewing the permit application process and assessing the driver testing service capacity in order to accommodate a potential spike in the demand for driving tests. The driver training curriculum is also under review to ensure it is fit for purpose and future proofed.
