Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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69. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to address the large backlog of persons on waiting lists for theory and driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38665/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The gradual re-opening of in-person driver theory test centres commenced on 8th of June. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) reopened test centres and introduced capacity to increase the number of tests from an average of 15,000 tests (in normal times) to 25,000 tests monthly, to tackle the backlog and shorten waiting times. Capacity will gradually increase to 50,000 tests monthly, when public health guidance permits to clear the backlog. The service provider has sourced an additional 40 temporary team members to support the expected increase in capacity to 50,000 in centre appointments.

A pilot online driver theory test has been running for truck and bus categories has now been extended to include car and motorbike tests. The new offering saw 4,000 online theory tests available for all categories of vehicles during June. The RSA has plans to increase this by a further 6,000, bringing the total to 10,000 online tests during July. Tests are on a first-come-first-served basis with the new online service becoming more widely available later in the year.

Driving tests for essential workers will continue and have also gradually recommenced for those who are eligible to take the test, with those waiting longest being contacted first.

An additional 40 temporary driver testers were recruited in Q2 2021. Eighteen of these new recruits have completed their training and have been live testing since week commencing 7 June. Twenty-one more are currently in training and, pending successful completion of same, are on track to start live testing from 12 July. Sanction has recently being received for a further 40 temporary testers to be recruited in Q3 2021.

In addition, the RSA is looking to increase the number of tests from 6 to 7 per tester per day as well as extending operating hours when restrictions are fully lifted.

Every possible measure is being put in place to ensure that the maximum number of customers can be served while public health guidance is strictly adhered to.