Niamh Smyth
Question:163. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for a driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28177/21]
View answerTuesday, 25 May 2021
Questions (163)
Written answers
The Driver Theory Test is considered a non-essential service and remains closed for now. The Department understands the frustration at this decision. However, these restrictions imposed by the Government based on the advice of NPHET and their panel of scientific experts, are in place to minimize the impact of Covid-19 on this country and its people.
Officials both in this Department and in the Road Safety Authority are keeping the public health situation under constant review and are working extremely hard to ensure that Theory Tests can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
Because the service has been closed for long periods of time over the last year, many customers have had appointments cancelled and rescheduled numerous times over that period. To deal with the backlog, the RSA have plans to increase capacity when it is allowed to re-open.
From the start, it has been clear that the first priority is public safety. We want to provide services, and we know people are looking for services but we will provide them only to the limit possible while preserving public health.
Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 95.