Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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211. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for their driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39951/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The operation of the driver theory testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.  As Minister, I have no role in operational matters and no power to intervene.

I understand from the Authority that the test centre in Cavan does not open every day. It opens only when candidates are scheduled with confirmed appointments. I further understand that there were no issues in respect of Cavan theory test centre being closed when it should have been open.

Theory Test centres are currently conducting a maximum of 25,000 theory tests monthly. The in-person Theory Test Services has the ability to gradually increase to 50,000 tests per month over time and capacity is due to be increased on a gradual baisis until it reaches 50,000 tests monthly. Capacity of 25,000 tests per month, means that there are currently some customers with an appointment for a Theory Test which must be rescheduled to a later date due to the volume restrictions.  

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.

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 being put in place to safely and gradually increase capacity to 50,000 tests per month. 

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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212. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for a driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39997/21]

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.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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213. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are plans to open additional driver test centres to alleviate the driver test backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40025/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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While this is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority, who have responsibility for the operation of the driver testing service, I understand that an extra 10 temporary test centres have been opened. In almost all cases these new locations are close to existing test centres and are effectively an expansion of existing locations or replacing an unsuitable location.

A further 9 locations have been expanded within the existing premises to accommodate more testers. They are needed because there is not adequate space in existing centres to accommodate many of the additional driver testers and comply with social distancing requirements.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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214. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a driver theory test can be rescheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40026/21]

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.