James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a reason a motorbike and a car theory tests could not be combined instead of having two separate theory tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21443/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The provisions for the theory test are set out in EU law.

EU law requires that the theory test for categories A1, A2 and A, (the motorcycle licence categories), must examine specific areas which are only applicable to motorcycle users. This includes, for example, compulsory check of general knowledge on the use of protective outfit such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet, the visibility of motorcycle riders for other road users and mechanical aspects with additional attention to the emergency stop switch, the oil levels and the chain.

Therefore, a separate theory test for car and motorbike applicants ensures the above mentioned specifications are examined in circumstances where it is applicable.