More help needed for driver theory tests | Anglo Celt

Vulnerable people struggling with the driver theory test system are being left behind, a Cavan councillor has warned, amid calls for greater support for older and less tech-savvy applicants.

Fine Gael’s T.P. O’Reilly said some individuals are effectively being locked out of getting fully licensed simply because they cannot cope with the computer-based exam format.

Speaking at the May meeting of Cavan County Council, Cllr O’Reilly described how some older people can “just freeze” when placed in front of a computer screen, even when they know the correct answers.

While admitting it may not be the “biggest issue” facing society, he insisted it remains a “significant” problem for a vulnerable cohort who struggle to navigate an increasingly digititised system.

He recalled downloading the theory test app onto an individual’s phone, only to discover that despite “knowing the answers”, they still found it difficult to key in the correct responses.

Fianna Fáil councillor Patricia Walsh said she also knew people facing similar difficulties, while her party colleague Clifford Kelly described the proposal as “excellent”.

Sinn Féin’s Damien Brady meanwhile revealed he knew an individual who had now sat the NDLS theory test “11 times” and still failed. Each repeat attempt cost €45, a burden Cllr Brady said was unfairly falling on already financially stretched people.

* This article was produced with support from the Local Democracy Scheme