Written answers

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Driver Test

Photo of Violet-Anne WynneViolet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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204. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are contingency plans being put in place to deal with the backlog of driver theory test and full driving test applications. [39839/21]

Photo of Hildegarde NaughtonHildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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My Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to meet the growing demand for driver theory tests and driver tests.

Driving tests for essential workers continue to be the priority for the service. Driving test for those not classed as essential began in a limited fashion from May.  In line with the reopening of services on a phased basis, capacity to provide driving tests for all those eligible to take a test will be increased, beginning with those who have been waiting longest. 

An additional 37 new testers began live testing in June / July on a temporary basis and an extra 10 temporary test centres have been opened. These are needed because space in some existing centres cannot accommodate many of the additional driver testers and comply with social distancing requirements.

Sanction has recently been received for further 40 temporary testers who will commence testing in due course. 

The possibility of increasing the number of tests being conducted each day, per driver tester, from six to seven is also being examined.

The Driver Theory Test (DTT) is currently providing 25,000 test appointments per month across its network of physical centres.

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 service provider has sourced an additional 40 temporary team members to support the expected increase in capacity to 50,000 in centre appointments.

Currently the Driver Theory Test service is providing up to 10,000 tests per month online. These are across all categories with the vast majority being car and motor bike tests. Online services will be made more widely available towards the end of 2021.

It should be noted that 1 in 6 customers are failing to show up for their Driver Theory Test. This puts an unnecessary strain on the service and further complicates matters for the many people who are awaiting a test, who will ultimately be delayed as a result. 

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. The public’s continued patience and understanding is requested as plans are put in place to safely and gradually increase capacity.

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