asked the Minister for the Environment the number of driving tests conducted on the northside of Dublin in 1985; the number of failures; the number of passes granted to those doing their test for the first time; and if he is satisfied with the criteria laid down for driver assessment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Driving Tests.
14.
Information in the form requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department.
Statistics on pass and failure rates for driving tests are compiled on a national basis and the pass-fail rates of individual driver testers is also monitored. In 1985, the pass rate for the country as a whole was 51 per cent. Normally, some 45 per cent of persons pass the driving test on their first attempt, while the pass rate for subsequent tests is about 55 per cent.
I am satisfied that the criteria laid down for driver assessment through the driving test are adequate to ensure that its general purpose, as prescribed under the Road Traffic Acts, is fulfilled. The general purpose is that an applicant has an adequate knowledge of the Rules of the Road, that he understands and can make proper use of the controls of his vehicle and that, by putting this knowledge and skill into practice, he can drive safely and competently without danger to, and with due regard for the safety and convenience of, other road users. The test itself is conducted in accordance with uniform standards and procedures which are monitored on a regular basis. The scope and content of the test satisfy the requirements of the EC Driver Licensing Directive.
Is the Minister aware of the alleged inconsistency of decisions by testers? Could the Minister also say what qualifications are required of testers?
I do not have information regarding qualifications for testers but obviously they must be competent, have years of experience and be insured. I will get the information in that regard and send it to the Deputy.
I should also like the Minister to comment on the inconsistency of decisions.
It is hard to comment. What is inconsistency? Testers have different attitudes.
It is laughable that a Minister should ask what inconsistency is.
There are bound to be inconsistencies in relation to the test as testers may react differently.
I regret that the Minister does not have the information I seek as my question is very relevant in view of allegations made recently by drivers doing the test for the first time of an intimidating attitude by many testers. That is why I asked about the qualifications of testers. Does the Minister accept that testers should have qualifications for dealing with people, especially in regard to making them feel at ease while doing their test because, from the information I received, that is not the case at present and those doing their test, particularly young people, are placed at a serious disadvantage from the word go?
I feel very strongly that anybody dealing with the public should have special qualifications. Pressure should not be applied to anybody doing a test and I will have this matter raised and examined in my Department to see if there is a problem in this regard. Anybody doing a test is nervous and anxious and it would be intolerable if pressure were exerted by the tester. I will certainly have the matter examined.
I appreciate what the Minister said and I should also like him to say if testers are restricted to a quota of passes per day. If so, what is the number involved? Is there a quota in relation to passes?
No.
Is the Minister sure?
Yes.
Is the Minister aware that it has been reported to me on three different occasions by constituents that they were informed with regret that they had to be failed because the tester had already exceeded his quota for the day? That is an extraordinary situation.
It certainly is an extraordinary situation. There is no quota system as that would not constitute a proper driving test.
It is happening.
I find that hard to accept and if the Deputy could supply me with names and addresses of the individuals who have made these allegations I will find out who the tester driver was and pursue the matter further. I again wish to refute the allegation that there is a quota system.
It is an appalling situation.