Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
259. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the assistance that is available in the Dublin 9 and 11 region to assist young people in obtaining their driving licence which will help them to gain employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43459/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law. It is important to remember that driver licensing law aims to protect public safety and to ensure that people licensed to drive on our roads have reached certain recognised standards.
To obtain a driving licence, a person must apply for a learner permit, take at least 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons and pass a driving test. A first-time learner permit costs €35 and is valid for two years. A driving test for category B (car) costs €85. A driving licence costs €55 and is generally valid for 10 years. Driving lessons are provided by private individuals and companies and my department does not set the costs for lessons. The State fees for driving tests and driving licence applications have not been increased since 2011 and 2013 respectively.
In addition, the Road Safety Authority on their website (www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/resources) has a number of resources available to assist learner drivers.
