Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Transport his proposals to reduce the level of variation in relation to the level of pass and fail rates nationally among drivers sitting the driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3349/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The driving test in Ireland is designed in accordance with the requirements of the European directives on driving licences, which set out the skills that a driver must demonstrate during a driving test. As in other EU countries there is a variation in the pass rate among test centres.

The pass rate may be influenced by a number of factors including the number of lessons taken by the candidate, the standard of instruction available and demographic factors. Our pass rate is consistent with the experience in other countries.

In relation to consistency in the standard of the driving test, my Department undertook a comprehensive training programme for all driver testers in 2002 covering procedures for carrying out the test, guidelines to assess faults and training to enhance customer service in the delivery of the driving test. The work of all testers is monitored on an ongoing basis by supervisory driver testers to ensure that a uniform standard of test is maintained.