Poll: Should drivers resit a theory test every 10 years?

Eva Osborne

Labour TD Ciaran Ahern has said drivers should have to resit a theory test every time their license is up for renewal, saying there is “definitely a case to be made for refresher courses” for drivers every 10 years.

His take is an interesting one, given the backlog and waiting lists in driving test centres nationwide.

Last month, The Irish Times reported 68,000 learner drivers were waiting to sit their driving test – with some facing waits of 33 weeks or about seven-and-a-half months.

In 1979, the then minister for the environment Sylvester Barrett introduced an amnesty for all holders of second provisional licences in an effort to cut waiting lists for the driving test.

It is believed approximately 45,000 motorists took up the amnesty. Ahern's proposal for motorists resitting the theory test every 10 years would be the polar opposite of Barrett's strategy, and would perhaps place more pressure on an already strained system.

So, what do you think of his proposal? Let us know by taking our poll!