Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 43: To ask the Minister for Transport his strategy in relation to the commencement of section 10 of the Road Traffic Act 2006; the target in the average number of weeks wait for a driving test at which point he will commence this section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41650/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the oversight of the operation of the driver licensing system. Section 10 of the Road Traffic Act 2006 re-enacts existing enabling provisions which apply to provisional licences so that they apply to learner permits. The section also provides that regulations may require learner drivers to undergo a course of instruction. This provision will, in particular, facilitate the introduction of compulsory basic training of motorcyclists.

The section also provides that a period may be specified, following the granting of a learner permit, during which a learner driver may not apply for a driving test. This is intended to ensure that there will be a minimum period during which a learner driver has to undergo instruction before being allowed to apply for a test.

The commencement of this section will be considered in the context of a package of recommendations in relation to driver licensing reform which I am expecting to receive shortly from the Road Safety Authority and having regard to the progress that the Authority makes in dealing with the driver testing backlog.