Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 February 2021
41. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the status of driver theory tests during level 5 lockdown; if extra appointments are planned due to the backlog; the number waiting by county; the length of time they have been waiting in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7762/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails on the waiting time for a Driver Theory Test are held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this part of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Under current level 5 restrictions, the Driver Theory Test has not been deemed to be an essential service. As a consequence, the service is closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place.
The Driver Theory Test service has seen its capacity reduced significantly to comply with occupational and public health requirements. The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests while adhering to occupational and public health requirements for when servicers are resumed. In this regard, they would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours also provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.
The position in relation to backlogs will be reviewed again when Level 5 is lifted.
