Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 7 September 2026
378. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the adequacy of the existing driving test system, specifically in relation to avenues of appeals for unsuccessful candidates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61446/26]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. The RSA conducts the driving test to a standard that complies with the EU Driving Licence Directive.
The RSA provides an appeals process where, if an applicant is unhappy with how a driving test was conducted or they believe they were unfairly treated, they can appeal the decision or raise a complaint.
Under section 33(6)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, a person aggrieved by a test decision may also appeal to the District Court. The court will then examine whether or not the test was conducted properly. If the court determines that the tester did not conduct the test in accordance with procedures, a further test would be offered to the applicant free of charge.
