Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Transport if assistance or support is available to persons who have mild learning difficulties with sitting their driving test (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8511/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In the case of the practical driving test, where a candidate notifies my Department of the existence of a disability, it is the practice to assign the test to a supervisory driver tester who has more time to conduct the test. The oral part of the driving test is in place to establish the candidate's knowledge of the rules of the road but a candidate cannot fail the driving test solely on this aspect.

The specification which the contractor operating the driver theory test is obliged to meet provides for the delivery of a user friendly computerised theory testing system and requires that candidates with special needs be provided for. This includes the provision of reading assistance and voice over audio with an extended time slot for the test. Driver theory test appointments are arranged by the driver theory testing service which may be contacted at LoCall number 1890 606106. Correspondence may be addressed to the customer service manager at PO Box 144, Drogheda, County Louth.