To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will consider subsidising advanced driving courses as an avenue for drivers to reduce their insurance premiums, whilst improving overall driving proficiency.

My Department has a statutory role in providing a minimum standard of testing for all types of licences and these are met in the current testing regime. Advanced driver schemes sit outside these statutory requirements.

Completion of an advanced driving course is not a guarantee of lower car insurance premiums, as not all car insurance companies provide a discount for this additional training. If drivers do find a policy that will provide a discount, the original cost to the driver, self-funding the course, could be recouped in lower premiums over approximately 5 years.

I support drivers improving their proficiency and road safety. However, the advanced training scheme sits outside the statutory requirement and I therefore have no plans to subsidise these courses.