Written answers
Tuesday, 4 October 2022
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Driver Test
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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191. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that a driving test appointment is provided as a matter of urgency for a person (details supplied). [48142/22]
Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Individual cases are a matter for the Authority and the question in relation to this case is being referred to it for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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192. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request an urgent review of driving test services be carried out given the unprecedented backlogs in the system; and if he will give consideration to allowing instructors to sign-off on the driving competency of applicants who have completed the required 12 lessons until such time as the waiting times have significantly reduced. [48145/22]
Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The operation of the national driving test service and the employment of driver testers is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Since public health restrictions eased, considerable progress has been made in addressing the backlogs in driver testing services to which the Deputy refers. While there has been some growth in demand over the summer months and accompanying seasonal capacity constraints, the RSA are confident that current delays within the system will rectify before year end.
In early 2022, the RSA conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver tester service. This recommended that the number of permanent driver testers employed by the RSA should be raised from 100 to 130. The Department considered the RSA’s request and gave its approval in June 2022. This recruitment process is now underway. The RSA expect new testers start work in late Autumn.
While I can appreciate the Deputy's suggestion, it is important to note that there is a significant difference between driving instructors and driver testers, insofar as driving instructors are not qualified to issue a certificate of competency. This certificate is required to obtain a full driving licence.
Driver testers, employed by the Road Safety Authority, must complete training as set out in a series of EU Directives on driving testing and licensing, such as EU Directive 2006/126/EC which sets minimum driving test standards, training and quality assurance for driver testers. Testers have to undergo continuous monitoring of the application of Driving Test Standards, by way of regular and ongoing supervision.
The RSA has a Quality Assurance Policy which ensures that the practical driving test experience is of a consistent high quality, regardless of where it is carried out or who carries it out, and is proven to produce valid and reliable results.
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