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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

587 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time for a driving theory test; if the time reduces depending on the method of payment; if so, the details in this regard; the number of people who have passed the test to date; the number waiting to sit this test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20069/02]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

588 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the number of people who have done the driving theory test over the past number of months; and the total income received from these tests. [20070/02]

Michael Ring

Ceist:

589 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the name of the company which carries out the theory test to enable a person to get a provisional driving licence; and the location of the company. [20071/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 587 to 589, inclusive, together.

The contract for the delivery of the driver theory testing service was awarded to Prometric Thomson Learning, a company based in Manch ester which is part of Thomson Learning, a division of the Thomson Corporation, a major conglomerate headquartered in the United States of America. A separate company, Prometric Ireland Limited, has been established in Ireland to operate the service. Correspondence may be addressed to the Customer Service Manager at PO Box 144, Drogheda, County Louth.
A key performance standard contained in the customer charter for the driver theory testing service is that tests are to be offered at centres undertaking more than 250 tests per annum within two weeks of a candidate's preferred date. In other less used centres, tests are to be offered within two months of the preferred date at the chosen centre. These service standards apply to all test bookings regardless of whether application is made by telephone or through the post.
Driver theory testing commenced on 11 June 2001. It is understood from the driver theory testing service that in the period up to 30 September 2002, 120,715 tests had been conducted, 99,770 had passed the test; and 3,180 were awaiting tests. On the basis of a test fee of £25.20 up to 31 December 2001 and €32 from 1 January 2002 total fee income in that period was €3,965,000.
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