Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
206. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied); if he will investigate the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47662/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra207. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving tests that did not proceed because a candidate's motor insurance documentation was deemed insufficient or was not presented, in respect of the requirement introduced on 9 March 2026, in the period from 9 March 2026 to 15 June 2026, disaggregated by test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47663/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving tests that did not proceed on the day of test owing to issues with a candidate's documentation, by year and by test centre, in the period from 1 January 2022 to 15 June 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47664/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra209. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints received by the RSA in respect of driving tests that did not proceed on insurance documentation grounds, in the period from 9 March 2026 to 15 June 2026, disaggregated by test centre; the number of those complaints upheld, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47665/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving test fee refunds issued; the total monetary value of same, in respect of tests that did not proceed on insurance documentation grounds, in the period from 9 March 2026 to 15 June 2026, disaggregated by test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47666/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the number of candidates who, having been unable to proceed with a driving test on insurance documentation grounds since 9 March 2026, who have been offered a further test free of charge; the average waiting time between the original test date and the rescheduled test for such candidates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47667/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra212. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the legal or administrative basis on which the requirement that driving test candidates present proof of insurance was introduced on 9 March 2026; whether this requirement was introduced by statutory instrument or as an operational measure of the RSA; the role of the agreement between the RSA and the third party stakeholders; whether the operation of the requirement will be amended or reviewed in light of the number of tests that did not proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47668/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the guidance issued to driving testers on the assessment of insurance documentation under the requirement introduced on 9 March 2026, in particular in respect of candidates who are named drivers but not policyholders on the certificate presented; the steps taken to ensure consistency of application across test centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47669/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212 and 213 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including all operational matters. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
Pending this response, I understand that since 9 March 2026, all learner drivers presenting for a test are required to show evidence that they are insured to drive the vehicle selected for use at their test. This evidence will need to be shown, on the day, to the driver tester conducting the test, The following formats are acceptable:
A certificate of insurance naming the learner driver as covered, and
• Where the learner driver is not named on the certificate of insurance, an email / letter (on headed paper) from their insurance company stating that the person is covered, for the vehicle registration, and the day of the test, or
• Where the learner driver is using an Approved Driving Instructors or School of Motoring vehicle, a copy of the certificate of insurance (front and rear) showing that the appropriate insurance is in place for the purpose of a driving test.
• Where this information is not visible on the certificate, an accompanying letter on headed paper outlining this detail should be provided.
Evidence can be provided in electronic or paper format. Examples of the types of documents required can be found on the RSA website here: www.rsa.ie/help-support/online-support-centre/details/driving-test-new/driving-test-applications-and-bookings/new-insurance-rules-for-driving-tests
This rule, relating to insurance, was introduced as part of a resolution to a workplace dispute between a group of workers and their employer, to mitigate the risk of a driver tester being in a vehicle with an uninsured driver. Where this proof is not provided, then the test will not go ahead and the test candidate will be required to reapply for a new test.
I am told by the RSA that all customers impacted by this change were notified of the new requirements in advance and booking confirmation letters were updated on the 19th February for new bookings. In addition communications via email and SMS were sent to all applicants who had booked a test for a date following the introduction of the new procedures on the 9th March. In addition to this the RSA website was updated with the relevant information and there were a number of posts on the topic across RSA social media platforms.
The insurance document requirements are also clearly flagged on the booking confirmation email that issues to each applicant when they book their test. As an interim measure, and while the new requirements bedded in, learner drivers who were impacted did not lose their fee and were issued with a new invitation to book a new test.
