Review of trailer test is sought from RSA

THE new chairperson of the Road Safety Authority – RSA, Liz O’Donnell, has been asked to take another look at the ‘jeep-trailer’ driving test for farmers and other road users with post 1989 driving licences.

Galway IFA Environmental Committee Representative Bertie Roche told the Farming Tribune that in practice this test was ending up costing farmers in the region of €500, many of whom had been driving jeeps and trailers for well over 20 years.

He said that some bit of reality and common sense had to be brought to bear on the issue given that some of those people who had to take the test, were driving tractors and large trailers for many, many years.

“We will be making serious representations to Liz O’Donnell on this issue. First and foremost we want her to look at the practical matter of farmers who have driven their jeeps and trailers now being asked to undergo this test.

“Secondly there is the issue of the test being conducted in built-up areas. We feel that they should be carried out in something like a mart environment which is the most place that farmers use their jeeps and trailers,” said Bertie Roche.

He said it was now emerging that the cost of doing the test was working out in the region of €500 plus, made up of such things as the test application fee, the cost of test lessons, fuel and the cost of a new driving licence.

Bertie Roche pointed out however that contrary had been said by the RSA over recent months, the theory test did not have to be completed within a timeframe of the past three years.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.