AQW 14720/22-27

Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 10/09/2024
Answered On Date: 30/09/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any plans he has to improve access to driving lessons for people with a disability.

Answer:

Whilst the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is responsible for regulating the Approved Driver Instructor (ADI) industry, it does not employ ADIs in the capacity of delivering driving instruction or have any influence over who they may present to driving test.

Nidirect provides information for learner drivers, including information for those with a disability. It signposts learner drivers with disabilities to contact local specialist instructor/s at Disability Action and provides contact details to do so (Learning to drive with a disability | nidirect).

Learner drivers with a disability will take the same driving test as all other candidates, regardless of impairment or condition. Such candidates should inform the DVA of any disability at the time of booking their driving test and drivers with disabilities may be allocated additional time for their test, to accommodate specific requirements and/or allow for explanation of any adaptations.

Driving examiners are specially trained to understand any specific needs that may arise from disabilities.