Driving law plans could see motorists forced to resit theory test when renewing licence
Driving law proposals have been put forward in Ireland which would see drivers retake their theory test every decade when renewing their licence.
Labour TD Ciarán Ahern, who serves as the party’s transport spokesperson, suggested this measure as a form of “continuous professional development” for drivers.
The Dublin South West TD, spoke in Dublin about the proposals, saying the refresher courses could help curb reckless driving on Irish roads.
He argued that in “any other part” of professional life, people are required to stay current with changes in practice.
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The 40-year-old Teachta Dála highlighted serious issues with bad driving in Ireland that need addressing.
Ahern said: “If you don’t get serious about enforcement and about ensuring that people understand the rules, then how do you change anything? There have to be consequences.”
The Labour TD questioned whether people should be allowed to drive if they cannot prove they know the rules of the road.
He confirmed the requirement would apply to everyone, including those who received “amnesty driving licences” in 1979.
Ahern added: “Anyone who drives a car needs to be sure they can do so safely,” The Journal reported.
Drivers in Ireland saw costs for licence renewals increase at the start of the year, with learner permits and renewals rising to €45 (£37) and €65 (£54) for licence renewals and the exchange of foreign licences.
Motorists looking to renew their licence should do so within three months of its expiry date, which can be done online.
The Labour TD stressed that his party’s approach is not about penalising drivers, with the Government looking at ways to improve behaviour on Irish roads.
Ahern also acknowledged that waiting times for driving tests need to be addressed before implementing his proposal.
Current lengthy queues have “significantly impacted young people and students” who need licences for education or work.
He said: “Obviously, the system lacks capacity to get people to driving tests in the first place at the moment, but we’d like to build that capacity into the system.”
Only after reducing these waiting times should the Government look at using the service to improve driver behaviour, including the proposed theory test retakes.
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A survey by insurance firm Aviva has identified long waits for tests as the primary reason learner drivers drive unaccompanied.
Poor public transport in rural areas was cited as the second most common reason, while a lack of garda presence on Irish roads ranked as the third factor.
Aviva Driving School Manager Mike Kavanagh has called for “harsher penalties and heavier fines” to address the issue.