Written answers
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Department of Justice, Equality and Defence
Garda Training
9:00 pm
David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána who have completed the competency based driving assessments at each level respectively to date; the way in which restrictions applying to competency based driving level 1 impacts on the use of emergency lights, sirens and speed limits whilst on patrol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24747/11]
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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An Garda Síochána has implemented a comprehensive review of its driver training programmes. This has resulted in a five (5) level suite of Competency Based Driving (CBD) courses, with each level specifically catering for the required knowledge base, skills set and the operational requirements of members undergoing the relevant training. In reverse order, the courses and course content are as follows:
| CBD Level | Course | Competencies |
| CBD 5 | Garda Driving Instructors | All competencies necessary to deliver driving instruction in all aspects of operational driving requirements, to members of An Garda Síochána. |
| CBD 4 | Advanced Driving Course | Establishment of highest level of knowledge of Roadcraft and practical driving instruction in all competencies necessary to drive high power cars, to the highest standards, including emergency response, vehicle stopping using full driver commentary. |
| CBD 3 | Specialist Unit Driving Course(R.S.U, E.R.U, Ministerial Pool, Traffic Unit etc) | Reinforcement of knowledge of Roadcraft and practical driving instruction in competencies necessary to drive vehicles and carry out all driving tasks, including emergency response and vehicle stopping, relevant to the roles of specific and specialist units. |
| CBD 2 | Standard Response Course | Delivered to the vast majority of front line Gardaí, enabling them to drive the majority of patrol cars and patrol/public order vans available to them. It establishes an underpinning knowledge of Roadcraft, and practical instruction in vehicle handling, defensive driving, emergency response driving, and vehicle stopping. |
| CBD 1 | Assessment | Driving assessment delivered primarily to non front line members of the Force, and to members not yet selected to undergo full training at CBD 2. |
- Not to Exceed Speed Limits whilst on patrol
- Not to contravene traffic regulations
- Not to use emergency lights or sirens whilst the vehicle is in motion (Use
of emergency lights, not sirens, is permitted when stationary for safety
reasons)
- Limitation to drive official cars with a power to weight ratio of up to and
- including 80kW/tonne.
Prior to the introduction of this new system, Standard and Advanced driving courses were provided to significant numbers of Gardai throughout the country. Since its introduction in 2008, Competency Based Driver training has been delivered as follows,
CBD5 – 23 trained
CBD4 – 28 trained
CBD3 – 169 trained
CBD2 – 399 trained
CBD1 – 243 assessed
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