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Driver Test

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2023

Tuesday, 21 February 2023

Ceisteanna (192)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

192. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the delays professional public service drivers are experiencing in terms of getting out on the road due to the time lag between applying for a test and the test date, combined with the average time it takes to process a CPC card after a driver successfully completes the test. [8304/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the National Driving Test. In this capacity, the Authority deals with all test applications and scheduling matters.

However, I understand that the Authority has been engaging with the Public Service Operators and their trainees' applications are being prioritised given the current driver shortages.

In relation to the Certificate of Professional Competency (CPC) card, a driver must complete the initial qualification to apply for a CPC card. This involves a theory test, a case study theory test, driving test and walk around test. The theory tests can be completed together and the walk around test can be completed on the same day as the driving test.

The driver must have the new licence category on their driving licence, which takes on average 5 working days to process, before applying to the RSA for their CPC driver qualification card. I am informed that the average processing time for a qualification card is 7 to 14 working days.

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