Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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37. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the quality of driver testing as carried out by the RSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37709/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Driver Testing Service, provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), sets out the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that driving test applicants must demonstrate if they are to pass the driving test and become a fully licensed driver.  An effective Driving Test provides learner drivers with a consistent evaluation process which ensures that candidates have attained a sufficient level of competency to drive unaccompanied.

 The individual assessable components examined on the driving test are set out in a series of EU directives on Driver Testing and Licensing. The current informing directive is EU Directive 2006/126/EC which sets minimum driving test standards, training and quality assurance for driver testers.

I am satisfied with the quality of driver testing being carried out by the Authority. The Authority has a Quality Assurance Policy which ensures that the practical driving test experience is of a consistent high quality, regardless of where it is carried out or who carries it out, and produces valid and reliable results.