Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

542. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if allowances can be made under the Clancy amendment which would allow learner drivers who have been waiting for a driver test date for an extended time to continue driving until an appointment date is issued. [2510/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the driving test is to set out the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licensed driver.  Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test he or she is not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision.  Driving a car is complex and challenging and it is imperative to the safety of all road users that the learning process not be rushed.  There can be no exceptions to this principle.

The demand for driving tests is currently high and I accept that waiting times are often too long.  The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is addressing this by increasing its capacity to deliver extra tests and my Department recently sanctioned the recruitment of a large number of additional driver testers to this end.