Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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46. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver theory tests will resume; the steps that will be taken to address the backlog of applicants waiting to take the driver theory tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17806/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Driver Theory Test has not been deemed by Government to be an essential service under level 5. As a consequence, the service is closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place. Customers who have a Driver Theory Test scheduled during the level 5 restrictions will be contacted to notify them that their test will be rescheduled free of charge when the service resumes. Updates around the resumption of tests will be published on www.theorytest.ie.

The RSA is engaging with its service provider to examine ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints for when services resume. In this regard, the aim is to double capacity at test centres over a three-month period. Subject to decisions on future Covid 19 restrictions, this will mean that additional capacity would be made available in April, May and June 2021.

In addition to the increased capacity initiative, the RSA is working to deliver an online driver theory test service. The online service has been trialled on a pilot basis for those taking a theory test for trucks and buses and is now being evaluated with a view to extending the online service to all test types during 2021. However, scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.