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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 2002

Vol. 547 No. 3

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

279 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the requirement to pass the theory element of the driving test is hindering the prospect of non-nationals working in the horticulture industry in north County Dublin due to language difficulties in relation to securing a driving licence; and his plans to address this problem. [3663/02]

The driver theory test is at present available in the Irish and English languages. My Department is considering the feasibility of providing additional facilities for persons who may not be competent in these languages. Within the public private partnership structure of the driver theory test, the additional cost of such facilities would have to be borne either by service users generally or by users benefiting directly from them.

Some non-national persons may, however, be eligible to drive here without having immediately to pass the theory test and the practical driving test. A person who holds a driving licence issued by a member state of the European Union or of the European Economic Area is permitted to drive in Ireland for so long as that licence remains valid. Where such a person has taken up normal residence in Ireland, he or she may alternatively exchange his or her licence for an Irish driving licence without taking a driving test.

In addition, Australia, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa and South Korea are recognised states for the purpose of driving licence exchange under the terms of Article 30(7) of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1999. Under these regulations, persons holding a valid driving licence from a recognised State may exchange their licence for an Irish driving licence where they take up residence here, without the need for a driver theory test and practical driving test.

Temporary visitors to Ireland who hold a national driving licence or an international driving permit may drive here for the duration of their visit up to a maximum period of 12 months. Persons taking up Irish residence must however either avail of the arrangements described above, where applicable, or begin the process of obtaining an Irish driving licence.

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