asked the Minister for the Environment the steps that were taken by his Department to ensure that driver-testers are not required to work in their home town; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Driver Testing.
354.
No such steps have been taken by my Department. For the purpose of the effective administration of the driving test the country has been divided into six regions and driver-testers are headquartered at various locations in each region. Where possible headquarters are in the towns where driver-testers live. Work is so allocated that each driver-tester conducts tests at every centre within his region, including that in his home town, on a rotation basis. I have no plans to change this policy.
355.
asked the Minister for the Environment whether there is a delay in carrying out driving tests; and if there is a backlog of applicants awaiting testing.
In general, delays in carrying out driving tests are not excessive. The number of driving test applications on hand at the beginning of this month was 11,000 approximately. The typical waiting period for a driving test is now of the order of seven to 11 weeks. The position in relation to driving tests is being carefully monitored and resources are being deployed so that delays are kept to a minimum as far as practicable.