Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 10 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 1

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

123 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport the number of provisional driving licences granted in each of the past five years; the number of failures in the initial tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17605/02]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

Details of the estimated number of provisional licences, including renewals, issued by licensing authorities in each of the years 1997 to 2001 are set out in the following table. The estimates are based on figures received from licensing authorities.

Year	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001
Number of provisional licences, including renewals, issued.	244,978	269,132	282,565	296,042	253,079

It is assumed that the initial tests referred to are driver theory tests. The requirement to pass a driver theory test before obtaining a first provisional licence commenced on 11 June 2001. It is understood from the driver theory testing service that the number of unsuccessful tests conducted during 2001 was 7,905.

Question No. 124 answered with Question No. 122.

Question No. 125 answered with Question No. 120.