Dáil Éireann - Volume 494 - 30 September, 1998

Written Answers - Driving Licences.

Mr. Hayes Mr. Hayes

528. Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his policy in relation to the right of learner drivers to drive without the supervision of a qualified or experienced driver; the plans, if any, the Government has to change the law in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16915/98]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy) Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy): Under regulations in operation since 1989 all provisional licence holders, with the exception of those who hold: (a) a second provisional licence in respect of category B vehicles (cars); or (b) a provisional licence to drive vehicles in categories A1, A or W (motorcycles or tractors-work vehicles), must be accompanied by a qualified driver while driving. A qualified driver is a person who holds a full driving licence in respect of the vehicle category being driven.

The recently published Government Strategy for Road Safety 1998-2002 has prioritised action against speeding, alcohol and non-seatbelt wearing as having the greatest and most immediate potential to achieve the gains in road safety targeted by the strategy. In addition, the new strategy proposes a range of measures designed to improve the formation and training of drivers. These include assisting the Driver Instructor Register towards quality certification; the introduction of a theory test separate from the driving test; the possibility of a new training initiative for motor cyclists and a longer term significant reduction in the number of drivers relying on a provisional licence.

Dáil Éireann 494 Written Answers Driving Licences.

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