Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2021
30. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport his plans to make the driver theory test available online during the current Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4621/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department had previously requested that the Road Safety Authority, as the body legally responsible for the driver theory test, examine whether theory tests can be taken on line remotely and what is required to do so.
I am pleased to inform you that the Driver Theory Test service has recently launched a pilot phase of a new initiative, which offers a Remote Testing service for specific categories of Theory Test (C, D, CD, BMT, TMT, ADI, CPCB, CPCT).
During the pilot phase Remote Testing will be available on a limited basis and extra capacity will be added as it is rolled out to allow more customers to sit their bus, truck, CPC or ADI Theory Test online. Remote Testing allows candidates to test from their home or another suitable environment once the minimum requirements for the service have been met.
Following a review of the pilot phase, I understand the RSA expect the initiative to be extended for car and motorcycles.
The RSA are keen to progress and extend the service to all categories of Driver Theory Test, however scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.
