Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 382: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the testing regime for qualification as a taxi driver and the details of the testing process; the number of stages, the subjects tested, the points pass threshold that currently exists and so on; if there are circumstances whereby a higher pass threshold exists for Irish drivers than does for foreign drivers; if so, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18112/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the testing for qualification as a public service vehicle driver commences at the local Garda station. The applicant submits his application to the local District Officer. Checks are carried out to ensure that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

The application is then processed and in accordance with the regulations the applicant is tested on his/her knowledge of the taxi meter area, the taxi regulations regarding drivers and the carriage of passengers and road traffic legislation.

There is no distinction between foreign drivers and Irish drivers in this procedure.

The licensing of small public service vehicles (taxis, hackneys and limousines), and the drivers of such vehicles is currently governed by the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 made under the Road Traffic Acts, the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 and Regulations made under that Act in 2005 and 2006 by the Commission for Taxi Regulation.