New driving licence system could be solution to rural isolation

Deputy White has asked Transport Minister Noel Dempsey and his department to consider her detailed proposal to grant restricted driving licences to certain categories of drivers, who could only drive within their local areas, at specified times and speeds.

Deputy White said: "There are thousands of people in rural Ireland , who do not drive or have not obtained a full licence. Some spouses may find themselves completely cut off, following the death of their partner, unable to access shops, go to church or collect their pensions. Other parents may find it difficult to carry out school runs or access their local community. I believe the introduction of a restricted driving licence, in these instances, could be the solution to the problem."

Deputy White said similar licences have been introduced in Germany , Japan and New Zealand. "Drivers would still pass a theory test and a driving test to obtain the restricted licence, but the knowledge tested would also be restricted to local roads and driving conditions. There would be other conditions attached to the speed and times restricted drivers are allowed on the road."

Deputy White concluded: "In rural Ireland, many areas are cut off, with little or no access to public transport. While the Green Party is working hard in Government to deliver viable public transport, until that is in place, a tiered licensing system, including a restricted test for this category of drivers, would allow those in isolation the freedom to live their lives, while remaining safe and reliable drivers."