Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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232. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are plans to recommence offering theory test services at Macroom test centre; if the newly introduced online theory test will be maintained on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30281/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test.

The location of Thoery Test centres is an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process. This part of the question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.  

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 with capacity being permitted at 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 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 cars 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. From mid-June, the RSA will be adding an additional 2,000 online tests. Once the online service is fully established, all customers will be able to opt to do the test online.

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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233. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver theory tests will be resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30286/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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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 conduct 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. In June the number of tests available will increase by 2,000. Once the online service is established, all customers will be able to opt to do the test online .