Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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54. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person (details supplied) can have their licence issued sooner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16344/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The National Driver Licence Service has resumed its counter service for people applying for driving licences from 8 June, with revised working practices to keep its customers and staff as safe as possible.

There is an inevitable backlog of people wishing to have a driving licence/learner permit issued, and walk-in applicants are not admitted at the moment; appointments are required for everyone.

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.

It is important to clarify 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. An unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by the Garda Síochána may face penalty points, a fixed charge, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution.

The RSA continue to work on expanding the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types. When this facility becomes available the RSA will update its website.

I understand Ms Connolly has an appointment to apply for her permit next week 22 July 2020.