A new proposal by Labour TD Ciarán Ahern suggests that drivers in Ireland should be required to resit their theory test every ten years when renewing their licences. This proposal aims to improve road safety and ensure that drivers remain up-to-date with the latest traffic laws and regulations.
Ciarán Ahern, the Labour Party’s transport spokesperson, believes that continuous professional development should apply to driving, just as it does in other professions. He highlighted the increasing number of road deaths and serious injuries as a significant concern. Ahern stated, “In any other part of your professional life, you’re expected to do continuous professional development to ensure you’re on top of changes to the law, changes to practice, and I don’t see why that doesn’t apply when it comes to driving as well.”
The proposal comes at a time when driving behaviour in Ireland has been on the decline. Ahern pointed out that there are currently 68,000 people waiting for driving tests, with an average waiting time of 21 weeks. The government aims to reduce this to 10 weeks, but despite permission to hire additional testers, the waiting lists continue to grow. Ahern acknowledged the lack of capacity within the driving-test system but stressed the need for investment to allow for refresher courses.
Under the proposed plan, drivers would need to pass a theory test every ten years when renewing their licences. This would ensure that all drivers are familiar with recent changes to road signs, speed limits, and other regulations. Ahern questioned whether every driver would be “au fait” with recent changes, such as the new national speed limit road signs.
When asked about the practical implications of the proposal, Ahern admitted that it would have serious consequences. However, he argued that if a driver cannot prove they know the rules of the road, they should not be driving. He added, “Whether or not that is binding or it actually prevents them getting the licence, I think at the very least you should carry out a refresher course before your license is granted.”
The proposal has sparked a debate among politicians and the public. Some support the idea, believing it will lead to safer roads, while others are concerned about the practicalities and potential costs involved. Ahern emphasised that the intention is not to penalise drivers but to improve road safety and driver behaviour.
The requirement to pass a driving test was introduced for new applicants in 1964. However, in the late 1970s, a significant backlog led to thousands of applicants receiving driving licences without passing the practical test, in what was described as an “amnesty” to alleviate pressure on the system. Ahern suggested that even those who received licences during this amnesty should be required to resit the theory test to ensure they can drive safely.
