Driving Licence Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2012

Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Ceisteanna (733)

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

733. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will investigate the case of learner drivers who must by virtue of their employment drive to work unaccompanied, thus breaking the law; if this can be addressed by producing a letter from the employer stating the specified time of coming and going to work; if legislation will be introduced in order that young drivers who have a job can drive to work without breaking the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44783/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

While I appreciate the difficulties posed for people who are on learner permits and who need to drive to work,  the overriding consideration in driver licensing law must be the safety of all road users. The Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS), which is being introduced through a total of nine measures, is aimed at improving the driver learning process through a focus on the acquiring of skills and experience.  The requirement for learner permit holders to be accompanied at all times while driving is a fundamental safety requirement and was brought in as a precursor and foundation of this system.  It would be very retrograde step at this point to start allowing learner drivers to drive unaccompanied, for whatever reason.