Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 February 2013
244. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, people who have been driving for more than 35 years, who are accident free and have no endorsements, have never made a court appearance with regard to road related issues and who are not in possession of a full driver’s licence, should be provided with a full licence and classified as a special case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7756/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDriver licensing law in Ireland operates within the overall framework of EU legislation on driver licensing. The purpose of both EU and Irish law in this regard is ultimately to promote safety on our roads. Experience is a vital component in good driving, but it is also essential that we have measurable standards against which we can assess the level of knowledge and skills attained by drivers. This is why the driving test is and will remain an essential component of the driver licensing regime.
We are in the process of introducing a Graduated Driver Licensing System , with many of the elements already in place and which are aimed at strengthening the driver learning process. It would be a retrograde step if we were to make exceptions for any particular group of drivers, whatever their current licence status, and I do not propose to do so. The creation of one special case, as envisaged in the Deputy's question, would in itself undermine the driver licensing regime and it would lead to many other claims for special status in relation to driver licensing.
Therefore, while there may well be individuals caught in circumstances with which I would sympathise, I cannot make exceptions for anyone.
