Waiting time for tests to be cut to 10 weeks

While the enforcement of learner-driver regulations is not identified as a priority by the Government, efforts are being made to reduce the number of provisional licence-holders on Irish roads by shortening the waiting times for driving tests.

As part of the Government Strategy for Road Safety, the Department of the Environment has pledged to increase the number and productivity of its driver testers with a target of reducing the waiting period for tests to a maximum of 10 weeks by the end of next year. At present the testing centre in Finglas, Dublin, has the biggest backlog in the State with a waiting period of 38 weeks.

In addition, a written test is due to be introduced before the end of the year, ensuring new applicants for a provisional licence will have to have a basic knowledge of the rules of the road. The theory test, which Ireland is obliged to operate under EU law, is expected to be modelled on its British counterpart which involves 35 multichoice questions with a pass mark of 30.

The Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, is also believed to be examining with industry bodies the possibility of introducing a restrictive licence for young drivers, as exists elsewhere. However, a spokeswoman for the Department said there were no plans as yet for a graduated licence system.

A further initiative by the Department is the development of the Driver Instructors Register (DIR), which it co-funds with the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF). It is expected that enrolment on the register by private driving schools will be mandatory by the year 2000, thus ensuring greater regulation of teaching standards.

A DIR insurance incentive scheme was introduced last October with the aim of encouraging young drivers to seek professional tuition. Under the scheme drivers who receive 25 hours of tuition with a recognised instructor are entitled to the equivalent of one year's no claims bonus, a discount of an average 10 per cent.

According to the IIF, young drivers can expect a further discount of up to 25 per cent when they pass their test.