Irish Government Taps Prometric Thomson Learning

   Goals To Educate, Save Lives & Deliver User-Friendly Testing Tool/Method

    BALTIMORE, May 3 Prometric Thomson Learning, the global
leader in computer based testing, is helping the European Union to meet its
goal of reducing automobile accidents and related deaths and injuries.
Under a seven-year, public/private partnership, Prometric will deliver the
Irish Republic's newly established driver theory exam via computer-based
testing.  Prometric also will administer the Driver Theory Testing Service
through which the test will be managed.

    The theory test is part of a European Directive to establish uniformed
driving standards throughout the European Union.  The standards are intended
to encourage a deeper understanding of road safety information and behaviors.
Effective April 25, anyone wishing to obtain a driver's license in the
Republic of Ireland is required to pass the theory test before taking the
practical exam.  Operational delivery of the first theory test is scheduled
for June 11, and scheduling of exams will begin on May 8, through Prometric's
call center based in Manchester, England.

    "I look forward to the delivery of quality service," said Mr. Robert
Molloy, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment and Local
Government.  "As a public representative of a number of Gaeltacht areas, I am
particularly pleased to note the provision of a dedicated phone line for those
who wish to use the Irish language."

    The test will be available at 41 locations throughout the country: 16
brick and mortar facilities and 25 sites serviced by eight dedicated mobile
units on rotational schedules.  The mobile units -- each with four
workstations -- were custom-built for this project.  Approximately 97 percent
of the population will be within 30 miles of a testing location.

    "Prometric currently delivers computer-based driver theory tests in the
United Kingdom and in Northern Ireland using innovative and award winning
technology that promotes ease of use, interaction and efficiency for the test
taker as well as the test administrator," said Stephen Phipps, senior vice
president of Prometric's International Business unit.  "The experience of
managing these tests gave Prometric the ability to develop a comprehensive
program that meets the objectives of the Government and the personal needs of
individual test takers."

    Phipps noted that Prometric will invest more than U.S. $3.3 million to
build the infrastructure needed to support the program.

    In managing the Driver Theory Testing Service, Prometric will be
responsible for the administration and delivery of the theory test, and for
developing and publishing test preparation material, including CD-ROMs and
books -- in both Irish and English languages.  In addition, the company is
charged with establishing the Driver Theory Testing Service brand and raising
awareness and understanding of the safety benefits delivered by the theory
test.