Driver Test

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Ceisteanna (283)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

283. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the reason some learner drivers going for a driving test were refused due to the fact that the insurance disk they had printed out as a consequence of working from home due to Covid-19 was deemed to have a faded colour or wrong colour by the tester and that this then imposed an additional test fee and a further delay for many learner drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41325/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Vehicles presented for a driving test must be insured, and the RSA is entitled to refuse a test if proper proof of insurance is not provided.  Some vehicle insurers issue hardcopy insurance discs which meet legal requirements, while others issue discs electronically for home printing. 

Legal requirements include a green stripe on the disc, and I understand that sometimes home-printed discs may produce differing colours.  There is an inevitable concern that home-printed discs may be easy to forge, and the RSA have an obligation, to be wary of this.   

I have no role in individual cases, and if the Deputy has specific cases in mind I would suggest that he raise them with the RSA.