Michael Healy-Rae
Question:267. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding driver theory tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13875/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2021
Questions (267)
Written answers
The current public health emergency has had a profoundly disruptive effect on the driver learning and testing system in this country and my Department is very aware of the frustration experienced by a large cohort of learner drivers. However, I will not be making any changes to the existing legislation in the learning to drive process.
By law, before applying for a learner permit, candidates must complete and pass a driver theory test. It applies to anyone applying for a first learner permit in any vehicle category. This includes Category W work vehicles and land tractors. The theory test is designed to check knowledge of critical issues such as: rules of the road, risk perception, hazard awareness and good driving behaviour. Upon passing the theory test, an individual can then apply for a learner permit.
Until a person has successfully completed their driver theory test and thereby demonstrated they have attained a sufficient level of road safety and motoring knowledge, they cannot commence driving on our roads. Allowing individuals to bypass this vital step in the learning to drive process, regardless of the circumstances, will only put their and the safety of others at risk and risk further pressure on our health services.
The RSA, together with its service provider, have put plans in place to significantly increase capacity within the service when it is allowed to re-open. This plan includes increasing capacity from an average pre Covid19 capacity of 15,000 appointments up to 50,000 appointments per calendar month. This will help manage the backlog of customers and shorten waiting times.
In addition to the increased capacity initiative, the RSA is working to deliver an online driver theory test service. The online service has been trialled on a pilot basis for those taking a theory test for trucks and buses and is now being evaluated with a view to extending the online service to all test types during 2021. However, scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.