Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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226. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures being implemented to shorten the waiting times for learner drivers sitting their driver tests; if he will review the current system and open a consultation for ideas on improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36554/20]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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As you are aware, car driving tests were first temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 in March 2020 and since resuming operations in mid-July, there has inevitably been an increased level of demand due to the consequent backlog.

Unfortunately, due to social distancing and other public health and hygiene requirements, service capacity has had to be considerably reduced. This means that customers experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended.  

Level 5 restrictions which took effect for six weeks from 22 October 2020, means that driving tests are now only available to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work. While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety must remain of paramount importance. 

The Road Safety Authority is currently examining ways of increasing the number of tests within health constraints when driver testing resumes after Level 5, and is working in close consultation with my Department on this matter. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.

My Department has recently approved the retention by the RSA of 18 temporary driver testers whose contracts were due to expire in October and November, and the RSA has also rehired a further 18 temporary testers whose contracts expired in May. This will help to increase testing capacity when services resume. In the longer term the Department is considering proposals from the RSA for further measures to address the backlog.