Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider granting an exemption to learner drivers who are essential workers and have completed 12 driving lessons to allow them drive to and from work unaccompanied by a fully licensed driver for the period of level 5 restrictions in view of reduced capacity on public transport causing issues for essential workers during level 5 restrictions and the lengthy delays in accessing the driving test. [1672/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I will not be granting an exemption to learner drivers to drive unaccompanied, irrespective of the circumstances.

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.

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 was an increase in fatalities on our roads in 2020, despite huge reductions in traffic volumes.

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

Public safety is paramount, and never more so than in the case of our essential workers, whether through infection or through death or injury on our roads. For this reason, we must not relax the standards required of our drivers before being allowed to drive unaccompanied.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is planned to give a further exemption to persons over 70 years of age renewing their driving licences in relation to the need to have a medical certificate with the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1708/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The requirement for those over 70 (without and Identified or specified illness) to provide a medical report had been removed up to 31 December 2020. Due to the recent rise in Covid-19 cases my Department has provided for a further extension until 30 June 2021.

In the interest of road safety, over-70s with an identified or specified illness must provide a medical report with their driving licence/learner permit application. They should contact their GP in this regard.