Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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773. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the risks associated with the issuing of driver licences without applicants sitting the driver test have been evaluated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7448/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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It must be understood that a learner permit is not a licence, but a permit to allow a person to drive while learning. 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, they are not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision.

I would like to point out that the current pass rate for driving tests nationally stands at 52% for 2019, so having fulfilled all of the driving lesson requirements does not mean that an individual meets the standard required to pass the test.

In terms of risk assessment, studies have repeatedly shown that unaccompanied learner drivers are markedly more likely to be involved in fatal collisions. For that reason, there can be no exceptions to the current laws in force around learner drivers. Regrettably, there has been an increase in fatalities on our roads so far in 2020, and we must not relax the standards required of our drivers before being awarded a driving licence, even in the case of frontline workers. Not only is there the risk to both driver and other road users of unqualified drivers causing deaths or injuries, there is also the pressure such incidents would put on the emergency and health services at a time of national emergency.

An unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by an Garda Siochana may face penalty points, a fixed charge, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution.