Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are any proposals to revert to the former system whereby, when a full driving licence was issued, Class EB was automatically included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5744/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Prior to 1989, the driver licensing system permitted a car and trailer to be driven under the car licence alone. Licence categories were then changed, with separate categories covering car (Category B) and car and trailer (Category EB). People licensed to drive with trailer before 1989 were allowed to keep their old entitlements, simply by ticking the appropriate box on the application form when renewing their licences. 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. If they let the entitlement to drive with a trailer lapse for longer, they must apply as learners for the purposes of driving with a trailer.

The problems this system has caused for some people have been raised before with me. I have considered the issue, and 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. However, I have decided to change the licensing regulations so that those who have a Category B licence, and who wish to acquire a Category EB licence, will now no longer have to wait the usual 6 months before they can take the Category EB test. This change came into effect as of 10 January 2012. I do not propose any further legislative changes in this regard.