I propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 60, 61 and 62 together.

It is an offence for a learner driver to drive without appropriate supervision. An unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by An Garda Siochána is liable to up to four penalty points, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution. The penalty for learners driving unaccompanied is a fine up to a maximum of €1,000 for a first offence, a maximum of €2,000 for a second or subsequent offence, and a maximum of €2,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 months for a third or subsequent offence within a 12 month period. Furthermore, any person who permits a learner driver to use their vehicle without appropriate supervision may be subject to a fine of up to €1,000.

This is a vital life-saving law, and there can be no justification for breaching it. The driving test sets out the minimum level of knowledge, skill, and competency that a learner must demonstrate to become a fully licensed driver. Driver testing in Ireland is carried out directly by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to a standard that complies with the EU Directive on Driving Licences. Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test, they are not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision. There are no plans to amend this law or the current position.

In addition to this, a long-standing issue in relation to multiple learner permits is being addressed. Under current rules, individuals can repeatedly renew a permit without sitting a driving test. In November 2025 regulations were signed to end this practice, with the changes coming into effect in November 2026.

It is important that learner drivers have the opportunity to sit a driving test. In that regard reducing waiting times for driving tests has been a key priority for me since taking office and I directed the RSA to produce and publish a service recovery plan to meet the 10-week average national waiting time target by September, which had been achieved.

The latest information available to me from the RSA indicates that the average national waiting time for a driving test was 10.7 weeks at the end of January. This marks a significant reduction on the 27-week average wait time at the end of April last year.

Additionally, under the Government's Road Safety Strategy, the RSA has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the driver testing curriculum. The objective of this work is to ensure the service is fit for purpose, future-proofed, and capable of adapting to advancements in vehicle technology. Work on this review is underway, which will look to international best practices to develop recommendations for enhancing driver education in Ireland.

Finally, road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all. Enforcement is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.