Written answers
Wednesday, 24 March 2021
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Driver Test
Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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370. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason that online driver theory tests for those learning to drive a car are not available given that theory tests for those learning to drive buses and trucks are; his views on whether an online theory test for car learner drivers can help reduce the current backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1843/21]
Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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My Department had previously requested that the Road Safety Authority, as the body legally responsible for the driver theory test, examine whether theory tests can be taken on line remotely and what is required to do so.
Remote theory testing has been trialled, during the months of December and January, on a pilot basis for those taking a theory test for trucks and buses. The pilot is now being evaluated and the RSA is committed to extending the service for all theory test types during 2021. There will be a limit on the number of customers that can avail of the service during the initial rollout phase, but the objective is that it should be an option for all theory test customers during later phases of the rollout.
As remote testing facilitates additional capacity whilst also enabling the service to continue in the event of further lockdowns, it would be expected this would greatly help in returning the service to normal waiting times.
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