asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that many people consider that the standard applied by those appointed by him to examine applicants for the motor driving licence is too rigid; and if he will take steps to make the standard less rigid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Driving Licence Tests.
28.
Although some people who fail to pass the driving test may blame the standard applied rather than admit their failure to drive properly, I cannot accept the suggestion that this standard is too high. A person on test must show the driver tester that he is generally a competent driver and that he can drive without danger to, and with due regard to the safety and convenience of, other persons.
Could the Minister give me the percentage in relation to the rejections?
Approximately 50 per cent.
Would the Minister not agree that people rejected have to get a special licence and that that licence costs more? A great many of those applicants believe they are being rejected so that this extra sum of money may be collected.
The Deputy should consider that matter further. He should realise that £1 would not cover the cost of having to test those people again.
They have to wait at least six months to be tested again. Then the majority of them are turned down and have to pay for another special licence, which is a great source of amusement and entertainment to the Fianna Fáil Party, but I say it is another means of raising money.
I would suggest to the House and to those concerned that they should try to be a little more competent before they present themselves for the first test. This would not only save them inconvenience and expense but would also save the valuable time of testers, who are too few at the moment.