Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is not covered by the Bill but is covered by the Minister. The demonisation of families in our country in terms of learner drivers also arises. We do not all have a Luas, a DART, buses or the smart technology to get where we like. We have to have respect for the road and to encourage young people. The driver licensing system is a shambles. A person has to do 12 lessons, which cost around €50 each. Most of the instructors are very professional. They do the theory test, which should be done in school, and then they go for their tests. If they fail the test for the most minute reason after those 12 lessons they have to wait for another month before reapplying for the test. The waiting list in County Tipperary is already six months. They have to go back, get more lessons, and then face another backlog before they can do the test again. This has to be streamlined.

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