Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Over 200,000 people are now waiting for a driving theory test or a driving test. This is having a huge impact on people, particularly young people. Driving tests are happening in a limited way. Theory tests are completely closed, more or less, since October. This is despite the fact that the Road Safety Authority, RSA, is of the firm opinion that the theory test can be conducted safely during Covid restrictions. Mr. Declan Naughton from the RSA said as much on radio recently. Mr. Naughton stated that if there is a view that the theory test is unsafe for any reason, those in the RSA would love to get to show that with robust anti-Covid measures it is safe. He pointed to the fact that 42,000 driving tests had been conducted since January in even more confined conditions and with no Covid cases. Relating to theory tests, Mr. Naughton stated that the RSA would love the opportunity to demonstrate to public health personnel that it is safe to open. I ask the Minister with responsibility for this area whether a risk assessment has taken place. If not, why not? Most importantly, when will the theory tests reopen?

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