The Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, has admitted he had encountered "some slippage" in relation to the introduction of Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) for all road users but says he still hopes to have it in place by the end of this year, and said he is still considering reducing the minimum age for motorcycles from 16 to 17 or even 18 years.
The initial plan was to have CBT introduced by the first half of this year but Mr Brennan said he had experienced "some slippage" and its now likely to be in the autumn or winter of this year.
Speaking to Motors, the Minister said the upcoming Road Traffic Bill is "now 90 per cent ready" and that he hopes to bring this before the Dáil before July 10th, when the Oireachtas breaks for the summer.
In addition to some measures relating on CBT, the bill will also legislate for random drink-driving testing, speed cameras, use of mobile phones, speed limits, metrication and the sale of a vehicle to a minor.
Ireland currently stands alone amongst EC countries in not having a requirement for new drivers or motorcycle riders to undergo training before being allowed on public roads unaccompanied. Whilst motorcyclists will be the first group to be affected, CBT will eventually become a requirement for car drivers. Essentially, CBT for motorcyclists will mean that in future those who do not already hold a licence will have to undergo a minimum of 10 hours CBT training.
Some learners may also find that they have to do more than the 10-hour minimum training, as the regulations will require that the instructor must certify them to be competent.
The proposed Driver Testing Standards Authority (DTSA) recently received Cabinet approval. The final text of the necessary legislation is expected within two weeks. The DTSA will take over responsibility not merely for the various driving tests but also for the approval and maintenance of a Register of instructors.
The Minister was at pains to point out that the board would not be filled merely with political appointees. "That is not my style. You've only to look at Aer Lingus," he said.
The DTSA will be expected to reduce the driving test waiting list down to 10 weeks.
Currently it stands at up to 51 weeks in some instances. The latest figures show Ennis to have the shortest waiting time, at only 11 weeks, while Tipperary is the worst with a 51 week waiting time, closely followed by Tallaght with 47 weeks.