Driver Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022

Tuesday, 11 October 2022

Ceisteanna (252)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

252. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in New South Wales, Australia, after holding a P2 licence for two years, one automatically receives a full NSW driving licence meaning that there is no driving test in order to obtain a full licence; if his attention has been further drawn to the difficulties that persons face when they have returned from New South Wales and they are asked to provide proof of passing a driving test in NSW; if he will ensure that the NDLS provides extra allowances to those in this situation by allowing them to obtain a full Irish licence without proof of test which is not possible to obtain from New South Wales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50249/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

Irish driver licensing law operates within EU law and is intended to ensure drivers on our roads meet high safety standards. The format of driving licences, categories of vehicles, and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence are all set out at EU level.

All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from the authority in 10 working days, I would ask that he contact my office directly.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51