New body to handle driving tests

The Government is to create a special agency to handle driving tests.

It will see driving tests move from the control of the Department of the Environment to a new semi-state commercial operation.

The proposed headquarters of the new body will be based in Ballina, Co Mayo, where driving tests are currently administered by the Department.

The trade union IMPACT has welcomed the new driving test initiative.

However, General Secretary of IMPACT, Louise O’Donnell has warned that the new driving test body will only work effectively if it is properly funded.