Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:20 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to reform the current driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27658/03]
Written Answers. - Driving Tests.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:42 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reform the driver training and testing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27704/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 42 together.
I am currently reviewing the driver testing and licensing system with a view to bringing in changes that will lead to improved driver behaviour. In the licensing area I am examining a range of reforms to address the problem of long-term reliance on provisional licences and improve the standard of driving. Regarding driver testing the Government has approved the Heads of a Bill to establish a driver testing and standards authority. I expect to be in a position to introduce the Bill into the House at an early date in the next session. While the authority's primary task will be to deliver an efficient driver testing service it will also be responsible for driving standards in general.
The requirements of the practical driving test are set out in the relevant EU directive. A number of improvements to the practical driving test are in the course of implementation on foot of amendments agreed at EU level. These changes relate to random checks on mechanical aspects of vehicles which have a bearing on road safety such as tyres, steering, brakes, engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, lights, reflectors, indicators and horn. In addition, my Department, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, is arranging for implementation of improvements in relation to truck tests, such as parking safely for loading and unloading at a loading ramp and coupling and uncoupling the vehicle. Under the relevant EU directive, further changes are also due to be introduced to the driving test by October 2005 related to manoeuvres to be carried out by motorcyclists.
Proposals being developed by my Department for the regulation and quality assurance of driving instruction will involve a test of the competence of individual instructors. The design of the standard that a driving instructor must meet has been developed in consultation with a working group comprising representatives of my Department and of instruction interests. Arrangements for the registration of driving instructors are being considered in the context of the establishment of the driver testing and standards authority.