Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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213. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport To ask the Minister for Transport, in view of the shortage of drivers for public service vehicles and the knock-on impact on commuters, if driving test applications for these essential workers can be prioritised by the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2969/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the National Driving Test. In this capacity, the Authority deals with all test applications and scheduling matters. I have no power to intervene in individual cases.

However, I understand that the Authority has been engaging with the Public Service Operators and their trainees' applications are being prioritised given the current driver shortages.

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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214. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport given the shortage of drivers for public service vehicles and the knock-on impact on commuters, if a letter of competence can be provided to these drivers upon the passing of their test to enable them to drive buses for public transport while they are awaiting the administrative processing of their CPC card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2970/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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To qualify for a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), a driver needs to complete a four-stage testing process which includes a driving test to drive the category of vehicle concerned, in this case a bus. The new licence category must be added to the driver’s licence before a Driver CPC card can be issued.

It is an offence to drive a bus professionally without a valid CPC card. I am not aware of a delay issuing driver CPC cards where all the conditions are met.