Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

Learner drivers never have to sit a driver test to roll over their learner permits. They just have to show they have booked or joined a waiting list for a test. Some have permits for years, contributing to a culture where learner permits are treated like full licences. The Road Safety Authority has had more than a decade to prepare for the closure of this loophole. The Minister of State, Deputy Canney, has made progress, promising learner drivers will have to take a test before getting their third permit, once test waiting times drop to ten weeks by September. That is a target that he achieved. Now we are playing another waiting game. The Department of Transport says regulations are effectively ready. The RSA says it is finalising an implementation plan and it does not have a timeline. I say no more delays. The Minister can and should intervene again to set a date to close this loophole once and for all.

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