Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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233. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans that he has to increase supports for those with special educational needs sitting the driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1248/23]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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234. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are provisions to support those who are functionally illiterate to undergo the driver theory test; if such supports will be advertised widely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1259/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.

Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of all aspects of the National Driving Test, this includes the Theory Test which is a crucial component of the driver learning and testing system both in Ireland and across the European Union.

I understand that the Driver Theory Test provider offers various options to accommodate candidates who may require special assistance to take their test.For instance, a voiceover option is available, whereby the questions and answers are read out to the candidate over headphones. Additional time is allowed for the candidate to take the test. There is also a reader recorder service whereby a staff member will read the questions and answer options to the candidate and record their answers on screen. Other services offered include dyslexia support, professional and Irish Sign Language (ISL) video clips, or ISL interpreters.  

I am told that to avail of extra time or a reader recorder service during their test, a candidate must write to the Driver Theory Test Service with medical evidence on official headed paper from a school, doctor or professional person confirming the assistance the candidate requires. This should be posted to: Driver Theory Test, PO Box 15, Dundalk, Co. Louth.  

Test Day Assistance and Support Services must be booked in advance by calling 0818 606 106 or via the postal application form available for download at www.theorytest.ie/general-information/test-day-assistance-support/.

The RSA continuously seek to review its services to ensure customers are supported and welcomes the feedback of customers and their advocates.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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236. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he intends taking to address the long delays in access to driving tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1292/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test.  This includes the operation of the test, driving test applications and all scheduling matters. I have no power to intervene in individual cases.   

I believe the RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process.  I understand that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first.   

Urgent tests are available to applicants who are employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services where those candidate would need to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work). 

Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs.

On the broader issue of driver testing delays, I am informed that the current increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include: an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their actual test.

I would like to assure the Deputy that the RSA is making every effort to address this issue.  The Authority conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver testing service in 2022, following which my Department sanctioned an increase in the permanent driver tester headcount from 100 to 130. 

I am informed that the RSA is currently deploying a number of successful candidates across the driver testing service, with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists. It is expected that the remainder will be deployed by Q1 2023.

The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and the Authority will report back to my Department on the steps being taken to continue to reduce waiting times. If sanction requests for further increases in driver testers are received, my Department will evaluate them promptly.

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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237. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps that his Department is taking to reduce the waiting time for driving tests; if he will acknowledge the difficulty that this is causing for those who need a full driving licence for work and or family reasons; if he will commit to ensuring that resources are deployed to bring down the waiting time for a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1314/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test.  This includes all driving test applications and scheduling matters.

I understand that due to the COVID pandemic, and the necessary ensuing precautions, a significant driver testing backlog developed.

I am informed that the current increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include: an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their actual test.

I would like to assure the Deputy that the RSA is making every effort to address this issue.  The Authority conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver testing service in 2022, following which my Department sanctioned an increase in the permanent driver tester headcount from 100 to 130. 

I am informed that the RSA is currently deploying a number of successful candidates across the driver testing service, with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists. It is expected that the remainder will be deployed by Q1 2023.

The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and the Authority has been asked to report back to my Department on the steps being taken to continue to reduce waiting times. If sanction requests for further increases in driver testers are received, my Department will evaluate them.