asked the Minister for the Environment if he is considering the granting of H licences to applicants who have applied to his Department for a test, in view of the large waiting list for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Articulated Vehicles Driving Licences.
105.
Under the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1989, which came into effect on 13 November, 1989, the separate category of articulated vehicles — i.e. the old class H — has been abolished. Applicants for driving tests for the old class H who already have a licence to drive a truck automatically become licensed to drive an articulated vehicle. Those who hold a current provisional licence to drive an articulated vehicle or have held such a licence within the previous five years will be required to undergo a driving test for a truck and trailer. Those who have not held such a licence will be required to undergo, initially, a test for a truck only and subsequently a test for a truck and trailer.
Under the EC Directive on Driver Licensing, I am precluded from dispensing with driving tests in the case of provisional licence holders. In any event, I would not do so in the interests of road safety.
The granting of licences is a function of the licensing authorities which are the county councils and the county borough corporations.
106.
asked the Minister for the Environment when he will grant a H licence test to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The person in question was tested recently and failed. An application for a further test was received in the Department yesterday. A new test will be arranged as soon as possible.