Unite warns that ability of learner drivers to self-declare may undermine public health measures

Driving instructors concerned at GDPR implications of new system

May 5th: Unite, which represents Approved Driving Instructors throughout Ireland, today (Sunday) accused the Road Safety Authority of failing to consult ADIs before introducing a new system allowing learner drivers to self-declare as ‘essential workers’ in order to avail of lessons during Covid-19 restrictions.  

Commenting, Unite Regional Officer Jean O’Dowd said:

“Once again, the Road Safety Authority has ignored driving instructors and unilaterally imposed a new system which is likely to prove unworkable and counter-productive.

“Allowing learner drivers to self-declare that they are essential workers in order to avail of driving lessons will inevitably result in a flood of such self-declarations, without any need for verification, and this would undermine public health restrictions.

“Under the proposed system, learner drivers would download a self-declaration form from the RSA website, complete it and hand it to the driving instructor who is expected to keep the form on file.

“Not only does this place an unacceptable onus on driving instructors; our members are also concerned at the possible GDPR implications of retaining personal information regarding someone’s ‘essential worker’ status on file.

“The Road Safety Authority needs to withdraw this proposal and engage in a meaningful consultation with driving instructors to devise a system which will meet the needs of essential workers while ensuring that all public health measures are fully adhered to”, Ms O’Dowd concluded.