Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
124. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if further clarification will be provided regarding plans to conduct driver theory tests online; and the timelines being placed on the Road Safety Authority, RSA, to ensure this system can be accessible for all applicants, without further delay. [10113/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department had previously requested that the RSA, 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 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, Certificate of Professional Competency (CPC) or Approved Driver Instructor (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, the RSA expect the initiative to be extended for car and motorcycles.
The RSA is fully committed to extending the service to all categories of vehicles, however, I would like to highlight, this expansion of services will take some time. Operational, technical, logistical and contractual issues will have to be addressed prior to roll out of the service and it is expected to be at least end of Quarter Two before the RSA are in a position to offer the service for all test categories.
