Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 431: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will end the requirement which states that farmers should sit a trailer towing driving test; if he will ensure that licences are re-instated for farmers who previously had such a licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12378/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Before 1989, the driver licensing system permitted a car and trailer to be driven under the car licence alone. Licence categories were then changed, and separate licence categories henceforth covered car (Category B) and cars and trailers (Categories EB). Those who had the entitlement before 1989 were entitled to keep their old entitlements. When renewing their licences, however, they were required to tick the appropriate box on the application form. In cases where a pre-1989 licence holder did not tick the box they would no longer retain that entitlement. However, the entitlement could be restored up to ten years after last holding it.

I understand that this issue may be arising at this time because there is, quite properly, stricter enforcement on licence holders. I believe it is of the utmost importance from a safety perspective that people are properly qualified and licensed to drive the vehicles they have charge of on our roads, and I have no plans to change the rules in this regard.