Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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175. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of learner drivers per week to date in 2023 that failed to turn up for their scheduled driving test appointment; the number of driving tests lost through these no-shows; his plans to introduce measures to ensure that learner permit holders sit a driving test before they can obtain a subsequent learner permit from the RSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53684/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the information requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

At a policy level, the Phase 1 action plan for the Government's Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 has an action to reduce the incidence of learner drivers holding a third or subsequent learner permit, including through measures to promote the taking of a test by learners. All citizens are entitled to feel safe on our roads and successfully passing the National Driving Test is a demonstration of competent, safe driving skills.

As part of plans to reduce the number of people on a third or subsequent consecutive learner permit, the Department and the Authority are considering a range of measures. These include reviewing the permit application process and assessing the driver testing service capacity in order to accommodate a potential spike in the demand for driving tests. The driver training curriculum is also under review to ensure it is fit for purpose and future proofed.