Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
119. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Transport if an interim and safe measure will be devised to allow the primarily young cohort of persons to practice driving within the confines of public health and road safety guidelines given the recent extension to the level 5 restrictions and the significant backlog that exists for driver theory testing (details supplied). [5560/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI will not be making any changes to the existing legislation in the learning to drive process.
The first step to learning to drive in Ireland is to pass the driver theory test. Upon passing the theory test, an individual can then apply for a learner permit. A learner permit allows them to learn to drive on public roads in Ireland, provided they are accompanied at all times by a qualified driver. Until a person has successfully completed their driver theory test and obtained their learner permit, they cannot practice driving on roads.
Allowing individuals to take to our roads without completing the driver theory test will only put their and others’ safety at risk – and risk further pressure on our health services.
While the driver theory test remains closed during level 5 restrictions, the Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests within health constraints for when servicers are resumed. In this regard, they would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours also provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.
While I regret the inconvenience caused by the necessity to adhere to the restrictions, the safety of the public, whether through contracting Covid or through deaths or injuries on our roads, must be of paramount importance.
