Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
117. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport the additional resources that have been provided to the RSA in order to assist with the backlog of theory tests and driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34618/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of both the Theory Test and Driving Test Services.
The Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to meet the growing demand for driving tests. An additional 40 temporary driver testers have been authorised along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. The additional testers are expected to start testing by the end of June. In addition, sanction has recently been received to add a further 40 testers to that cohort. The Department will continue to monitor and review the situation.
In line with the further easing of restrictions, the gradual re-opening of in-person driver theory test centres commenced on the 8th of June. The RSA reopened its network of test centres and will be permitted to conduct 25,000 driver theory tests per month.
The test centres have extensive COVID-19 measures in place to protect both customers and staff and to ensure the safe delivery of the service. It is hoped that capacity will gradually increase to 50,000 tests monthly, if public health guidance permits. The Driver Theory Test service provider has sourced an additional 40 temporary team members to support the expected increase in capacity to 50,000 in centre appointments when permitted to do so.
The RSA has been working to deliver an online theory test service, with a pilot online test already underway for trucks and buses. This pilot service has now been extended to include a limited number of car and motorbike tests. The theory test service provider has sourced approx. 30 additional employees to manage the online testing facility. The tests are conducted under strict requirements in order to adequately verify the identity of candidates, and to ensure exams are completed in a secure manner, maintaining the integrity of the exam content and to prevent cheating or fraud. To replicate the highly secure nature of in-person testing, the on-line testing service requires live proctors to perform the required security and ID checks and monitor the theory tests in a live online environment.
