Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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367. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to assist students and unemployed persons with the costs associated with driving lessons in preparation for driving tests; if he is aware that these costs are substantial for persons on low incomes and who need driving licences to enable them apply for some employment opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37123/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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​The requirement to undergo a programme of twelve Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons before sitting a driving test was introduced in 2011.  EDT is an important measure aimed at improving the quality of driving overall and enhancing driving skills at the earliest stages. The requirement to undertake formal lessons forms part of an overall Graduated Driver Licence System proposed by the Road Safety Authority for learner drivers.  They are once-off events and apply to all drivers as part of the process of obtaining a full licence.

I appreciate that this entails additional costs for learners.  However, EDT is a major step forward in terms of road safety and offers great benefits both for learners and for all road users.  It helps to ensure that learner drivers develop a baseline of knowledge and skills which would not have been the case before.  This will improve the quality of driving in general on our roads over time, benefitting the learners themselves as well as other road users.

We need to remember that driving is not a right, but a privilege which is earned by people proving they reach an acceptable standard of driving.  My Department has no funding available to provide assistance with the cost of EDT lessons.