Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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157. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a time frame has been issued for the return of car driver tests; and if a catch-up programme will be implemented to process the backlog. [18377/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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On Monday 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles.

Driving tests for cars, vans, and minibuses resumed from 16 July with essential workers and those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 being prioritised, in the first instance. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.

The phased resumption plan being put in place is to protect both the public and staff and will also enable the RSA to review practices and adapt any mitigating measures.

As you can appreciate Covid 19 has had a profound effect on the delivery of services. The Driver Test service has seen its capacity reduced to comply with occupational and public health requirements. This will mean that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended and the public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.

The RSA have assured my Department they are working hard to deal with this backlog and are examining measures to maximise capacity within existing constraints. 

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time.