The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is carrying out a review into the age at which someone can drive a tractor, the Irish Farmers Journal can reveal.

It is also considering introducing a mandatory training programme and a driving test for new category W (tractor) only learner permit applicants.

The RSA has said that the findings and recommendations from this review will be made to the Department of Transport, which has responsibility for any change in law.

Currently, the law states that a person cannot drive a tractor in a public place unless they are at least 16 years of age and hold a learner permit or a full category W driving licence.

Furthermore, a person who holds a learner permit for category W, must not carry a passenger unless the vehicle is constructed or adapted to carry a passenger and that person holds a driving licence in that category for a minimum of two years.

A person with a full category W licence can only carry a passenger where the tractor is equipped to carry a passenger.

When a person passes a driving test in the category B (car) they automatically pick up the category W driving licence.

Survey

News of the review comes as an Irish Farmers Journal survey of 885 farmers shows that 44% of them believe that someone should be 18 years of age before they can legally drive a tractor. Some 62% of farmers surveyed also don’t believe the introduction of a tractor driving test is needed, with 38% believing there should be a driving test to drive a tractor.

Almost half of tillage farmers believe a driving test should be introduced and 43% of sheep farmers think it should be a requirement.