Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2021
73. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the additional measures he will implement as a matter of urgency to ensure that delays in driver theory tests are reduced without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35367/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test Service.
The Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to meet the growing demand for driving theory tests.
In line with the further easing of restrictions, the gradual re-opening of in-person driver theory test centres commenced on the 8th of June. The RSA reopened its network of test centres and is now permitted to conduct 25,000 driver theory tests per month.
The test centres have extensive COVID-19 measures in place to protect both customers and staff and to ensure the safe delivery of the service. It is hoped that capacity will gradually increase to 50,000 tests monthly, if public health guidance permits. The Driver Theory Test service provider has sourced an additional 40 temporary team members to support the expected increase in capacity to 50,000 in centre appointments when permitted to do so.
The RSA has been working to deliver an online theory test service, with a pilot online test already undertaken for trucks and buses. This pilot service has now been extended to include car and motorbike tests and it is hoped that up to 10,000 tests will be conducted online in the coming months.
The theory test service provider has sourced 30 additional employees to manage the online testing facility. The tests are conducted under strict requirements in order to adequately verify the identity of candidates, and to ensure exams are completed in a secure manner, maintaining the integrity of the exam content and to prevent cheating or fraud. To replicate the highly secure nature of in-person testing, the on-line testing service requires live proctors to perform the required security and ID checks and monitor the theory tests in a live online environment.
