Michael Healy-Rae
Question:172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to change licensing rules (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12442/24]
View answerWednesday, 20 March 2024
Questions (172)
Written answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), as providers of the National Driver Licence Service, and my Department have no plans to change the licensing rules regarding tractors. Category W will continue to be the licence category that covers work vehicles and land tractors.
The definition of “work vehicle” means a vehicle (other than a land tractor) which has a maximum design speed not exceeding 40 kilometres per hour and which is constructed primarily for any work other than the conveyance by road of good or burden of any other description. Road traffic laws and CPC requirements only apply on public roads (ie not on construction sites).
My Department and the RSA are aware that the EU’s Fourth Driving Licence Directive, which may be adopted by end 2024, may provide a revised definition of tractors. Once the Directive has been published, my Department and the RSA will consult with stakeholders in advance of the introduction of any relevant national regulations. Until the new EU Driving Licence Directive is approved and enacted, the existing approach to tractor licencing will continue. The RSA website has been updated to reflect this.