Written answer
Driver Test
The Minister referred proposed driving-test reforms to the RSA, which is reviewing the learning-to-drive curriculum against international best practice and technology.
257. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reform the driving test including the introduction of transparency and technology in Irish driving tests; his views on suggestions (details supplied); and his views on if lessons can be learned from European colleagues in terms of best practice. [67844/26]
Comment on this
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, the Deputy may wish to note that in the Phase 2 Action Plan 2025-2027 of the Government's Road Safety Strategy, Action 7A states that the RSA will lead to 'enhance the learning to drive programme based on evidence from international best practice, in tandem with improvements in the driving test.
The objective of this work is to ensure the learning to drive programme is fit for purpose, future-proofed, and capable of adapting to advancements in vehicle technology while considering international best practice.
The RSA has progressed this action and conducted a review of the learning to drive curriculum, in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology, with a view to bringing forward recommendations in the coming months.