CastlebarThe Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, has been asked to publish The Rules of the Road booklet in video and CD formats as some people with reading difficulties are failing the theory test.
The request was made by Fine Gael's spokesman on social and family affairs, Mr Michael Ring TD, who said the anomaly was causing distress for those with reading and writing difficulties.
Mr Ring said it was wrong that the Rules of the Road is currently available only in book format.
He explained: "There are quite a number of people with reading and writing difficulties who are placed at a serious disadvantage when it comes to the driving test.
"While their driving skills may be up to scratch, or indeed ahead of par, they are faced with the daunting prospect of the theory test," said Mr Ring.
He suggested that an oral theory test be made available and that the Rules of the Road be produced in video format.
Mr Brennan said the contractor operating the theory test was obliged to provide a user-friendly computerised theory-testing system and also to cater for candidates with special needs.
He stated: "This includes the provision of reading assistance and voice-over audio with an extended time slot for the test.
"The test is based on a question bank, which has been developed in consultation with the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Difficulties and the National Adult Literacy Agency. The question bank is available in book format or as a CD which includes voice-over audio," the Minister added.