Seán Sherlock
Ceist:717. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given consideration to a driver test amnesty to clear the backlog of driver tests nationally. [12431/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 June 2020
Ceisteanna (717)
Freagraí scríofa
It must be understood that a learner permit is not a licence, but a permit to allow a person to drive while learning. The purpose of the driving test is to set out the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licensed driver. Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test, they are not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision.
I would also like to point out that the current pass rate for driving tests nationally stands at 52% for 2019, so having fulfilled all of the driving lesson requirements does not mean that an individual meets the standard required to pass the test.
Studies have repeatedly shown that unaccompanied learner drivers are markedly more likely to be involved in fatal collisions. For that reason, there can be no exceptions to the current laws in force around learner drivers. We must not relax the standards required of our drivers before being awarded a driving licence, even in the case of frontline workers.
An unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by an Garda Síochána may face penalty points, a fixed charge, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution.
Due to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, Regulations to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit, were put in place. Any learner permits which were due to expire from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their period of validity extended by 4 months.
The resumption of car driver testing raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.
It is envisaged that, in line with Phase 3 of the Government Roadmap, driver testing for trucks, buses and motorcycles will resume on a phased basis from 29 June, with testing for cars, vans and minibus following. Final dates for service resumption are dependent on continued positive progression of the country against the overall Government roadmap.
The arrangements to be put into place to allow for the provision of the service are being determined with the advice of experts and health authorities in consultation with employee representatives. There are no plans for any driver test amnesty. I am frankly shocked that any public representative would seriously put forward such a course of action, and have so little regard for the lives and safety of the general public, not to mention the lived experience of those who have lost loved ones to unqualified drivers - including their own constituents.