Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
686. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests, driving lessons, NCT, NDLS and theory test services will resume under the revised Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13003/20]
View answerI am happy to be able to remind the Deputy that the NCT, NDLS, and driver theory test all resumed service on a phased basis as of 8 June.
The NCT is undergoing a phased reopening after the recent CoVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis. 15 NCTS centres reopened on June 8th, with the remaining centres opening in phases in line with the Government's Roadmap. It is anticipated that all test centres will be operating by July 20th.
Both the driver licence centres and driver theory test centres have reopened, with clients being seen by appointment only, and operating to strict guidelines.
Driving lessons are expected to open after 29th June, as detailed in the revised Roadmap to which the Deputy refers. Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) have been advised by the RSA of their plans for resuming driving tests, including the protocols for driving tests. As private enterprises it is a matter for them to satisfy themselves that they have implemented protocols to ensure that they are operating within guidelines to safeguard themselves, their employees and their customers. These businesses are subject to inspection by the Health and Safety Authority.
The resumption of car driver testing raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.
I am happy therefore to be able to tell the Deputy that driver testing for trucks, buses and motorbikes is beginning again as of today. This will be done on a phased basis. It is planned to resume car driving tests, and also tests for category C1 (vans) and D1 (minibuses) on a phased basis in July.
