Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
1043. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timelines for the introduction of an online facility to apply for a first-time learner driver permit which currently cannot be processed online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6670/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1044. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the provisions being made to enable the children of farmers to apply for first tractor driver licences online in order to carry out work on their farms during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6671/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1043 and 1044 together.
To obtain a category W licence for work vehicles and land tractors with or without a trailer, a person must first pass the BW category driver theory test to gain their learner permit, and then pass the W category driving test. As with other aspects of driving licence services, driver theory tests and the over-counter issuing of learner permits are currently suspended.
The Road Safety Authority is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of public services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recent, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol agreed by employer and trade union representatives – including carrying out risk assessments.
It is not possible to carry out the driver theory tests online, as it is vital that the identity of the candidate can be established, and that there is no possibility of fraud or misrepresentation. I appreciate that the inability to carry out the driver theory test at this time is inconvenient to those awaiting such tests.
Dates for the resumption of the Authority's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
The RSA continue to work on expanding the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types. When this facility becomes available the RSA will update its website.
