The TD has claimed there is “a serious issue with bad driving” on Irish roads.
Labour TD Ciarán Ahern has said that drivers should repeat the theory test when renewing their licenses.
He reasoned that people are expected to stay up to date with the latest laws and practices in professional settings.
Speaking to reporters at Leinster House, Mr Ahern said: “I don’t see why that doesn’t apply when it comes to driving as well, given the number of deaths and serious fatalities.”
Drivers are required to renew their licenses every 10 years and Mr Ahern believes that the theory test should be retaken, at minimum.
He said: “Those new signs on the roads, the five black lines, is every everyone going to be au fait with what they mean when it comes to the lower speed limits that are being brought in across the country.”
One of the Labour TD’s main points for introducing this requirement is due to the nation’s “serious issue with bad driving.”
He added: “We have serious issues with bad driving on our roads, with large numbers of deaths on our roads.
“So if you don’t get serious about enforcement and about ensuring that people understand the rules, then how do you change them?
“If there aren’t consequences, there have to be consequences.”
Mr Ahern was also asked about those who received amnesty driving licenses 50 years ago.
In the 1970s around 60,000 drivers were given amnesty driving licenses without having sat a driving test, due to a large backlog of applications.
Mr Ahern was adamant that anyone who had a license should have to resit the theory test under this proposed change.
He said: “My dad is one of those [possessing an amnesty driving license].
“Anyone who drives a car needs to be sure that they can do so safely. That’s all we’re asking here,
“We’re trying to bring people with us and for people to understand that you’re in a position of privilege when driving a car.
“The level of breaking of red lights, for example, at the moment is just through the roof.
“And it seems, anecdotally, the pandemic has not helped with that, and that driving standards have gotten worse.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
