Pa Daly
Question:244. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time for driving tests in County Kerry; and his plans to address the backlog. [40591/21]
View answerTuesday, 27 July 2021
Questions (244)
Written answers
The driving test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
Specific details on individual centres are held by the Authority.
I am therefore referring those elements of the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
Driving tests for essential workers continue to be the priority for the service. Driving tests for those not classed as essential has resumed in a limited fashion from May. In line with the reopening of services on a phased basis, capacity to provide driving tests for all those eligible to take a test has been increased, beginning with those who have been waiting longest.
An additional 37 new testers began live testing in June/July on a temporary basis and an extra 10 temporary test centres have now been opened. These are needed because space in some existing centres cannot accommodate many of the additional driver testers and comply with social distancing requirements.
Sanction has recently been received for and additional 40 temporary testers to help clear the backlog.