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Driver Test

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Ceisteanna (235, 236, 251, 252, 257)

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

235. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures being taken to ensure the driver theory test backlog caused by Covid-19 is cleared quickly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15492/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

236. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests for cars will resume; the measures being put in place to deal with the backlog of those waiting for tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15496/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

251. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests will resume in Clonmel, County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in resuming tests at the test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15661/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

252. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if theory tests have resumed in Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15662/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

257. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to deal with the backlog of driver test appointments at the Finglas test centre. [15829/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 235, 236, 251, 252 and 257 together.

The RSA has been working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safely Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.

The Driver Theory Test Service resumed as of 8 June, with centres opening on a gradual basis. The resumption is dependent on strict protocols being in place for staff and test candidates in order to comply with public health guidelines. People wishing to take the theory test should check the service through https://theorytest.ie/, where they can book a test and learn about the protocols which will apply during their visit to the centre.

On 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles. Fourteen driving test centres reopened initially, but as the number of tests and categories of vehicles being tested increases in the coming weeks, the remaining test centres will reopen. Driving tests for cars, vans and minibuses will resume this week on a phased basis with tests for essential workers being prioritised by the RSA in the first instance. There are over 52 driving test centres and each centre must be risk assessed before it is reopened. The RSA will update its website, rsa.ie to advise on each centre as it re-opens.

Inevitably, there is a backlog of both theory tests and driving tests due to Covid 19 and the suspension of services. Due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity will be considerably reduced. This will mean that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended and the public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.

The RSA have assured my Department it is working hard to deal with this backlog – the Driver Theory Test provider for example will be opening on additional days including Saturdays, (at some centres) and extended hours will also be provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.

Given that there will be longer waiting times on the resumption of the driver testing service, it is planned that there will be a prioritisation of appointments. After essential workers, those whose appointments were cancelled by the RSA due to the Covid-19 situation will have first priority. Priority then will be given in order of application date. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.

All of the resumed services are now subject to appropriate public health protocols. Services must be booked in advance, and people should follow the required protocols for the sake of their own health and that of others. Further information is available at www.rsa.ie.

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time.

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