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Driver Test

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Questions (239)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

239. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the measures he will introduce to address the lengthening waiting lists for driver tests in County Wicklow; the waiting by county for August 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22204/20]

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Written answers

The driver testing service restarted on a gradual basis during Phase 3 of the Government’s road map for easing of Covid19 restrictions.

On Monday 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles (except for trucks in C1 and buses in D1 categories). Driving tests for cars, minibuses and vans resumed from the 16 July.

Due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity is considerably reduced. This means that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended. The public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.

Those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Initially, only those who are front-line healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.

My Department is in close contact with the RSA about the backlog and how best it can be addressed.

As the information requested in the second part of the Deputy's question is held by the Road Safety Authority, I have forwarded the question to the Authority for direct response. Please contact my office if no reply is received within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
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