Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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205. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the driver theory test service has not yet resumed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29092/21]

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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207. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver theory test centres will be reopened for persons due to sit their theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29129/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 207 together.

In line with the further easing of restrictions, the gradual re-opening of in-person driver theory test centres will commence after the 7th of June. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) will reopen its network of test centres and will be permitted to carry out 25,000 driver theory tests per month.

Prior to COVID-19, the RSA provided 15,000 tests per month. In light of the significant backlog of customers, the RSA will gradually increase capacity in its test centres to 25,000 tests a month.

The test centres have extensive COVID-19 measures in place to protect both customers and staff and to ensure the safe delivery of the service. It is hoped that capacity will gradually increase to 50,000 tests per month over time, if public health guidance permits.

The RSA has been working to deliver an online theory test service, with a pilot online test already underway for trucks and buses. This pilot service has now been extended to include a limited number of car and motorbike tests. 

The new offering will see 4,000 online theory tests available for all categories of vehicles per month. Tests are available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis with the new online service becoming more widely available later in the year. Once the online service is established, all customers will be able to opt to do the test online.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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206. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a driver theory test application by a person (details supplied) which has been rescheduled six times in the past six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29122/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The driver theory test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.

Individual cases are a matter for the Authority and the question in relation to this case is being referred to it for direct reply. 

I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.