Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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115. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his plans to tackle the practice of learner drivers continuing to drive on learner licences for a number of years by repeatedly renewing their learners licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13233/24]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The issue of multiple successive learner permits is a road safety priority for me, and my Department is committed to addressing it. However, it requires three parallel approaches to be successful:

· Changing the permit renewal system to prevent unlimited renewals.

· Increasing driver testing capacity for timely access to practical tests.

· Reviewing driver training and the training curriculum, to better prepare candidates for the driving test.

Preparatory work has begun. Under Action 27 of the Road Safety Strategy, my officials have agreed an approach with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to addressing learner permit renewal, while the RSA is increasing testing capacity and I understand that driver training is under review.

My Department has begun assessment of the legislative requirements and an internal RSA working group is scoping the technological and administrative changes and resources required.

It is expected that implementation of this proposal will proceed when the driver testing backlog is resolved and it will include lead in time for people who will be affected to make arrangements to comply with the new requirements.