He said that as well as the online tests, the RSA will “increase capacity” in physical test centres over the summer.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) will ramp up numbers of theory tests “as quickly as we possibly can” over the summer months.
When questioned by Independent TD Michael Healy Rae in the Dáil on Wednesday, the Taoiseach said that the RSA is planning to offer in excess of 3,000 virtual tests throughout June, and hoping to increase that number in the months thereafter.
Martin added that as well as the online tests, the RSA will also be putting plans in place to “increase capacity” in physical test centres.
“Minister, on behalf of all the young people who are waiting on their theory test, last night when it came online, it was absolute chaos. People are being told now that they can have an appointment in a year or two, that’s crazy stuff,” said Healy Rae.
“These are young people who want to get on the road, their work is necessary.
“I’m pleading with you, on behalf of the young people of Ireland, please put the necessary resources to allow these people to get a theory test immediately. Otherwise, they may be waiting months, or perhaps even two years.”
Martin responded by saying that a pilot scheme of online tests had been announced by the RSA which will see tests begin to resume again on a pilot basis.
“There was a limited number of places on the pilot scheme that was announced by the Road Safety Authority to offer the theory test online on a pilot basis, it will offer in excess of 3,000 online tests in June and they aim to increase this number over the coming months,” Martin replied.
“The aim is to ramp up numbers as quickly as we possibly can – we do realise the pressing nature of this issue.”
Aindrias Moynihan, Fianna Fáil TD, asked the Taoiseach to raise the issue with the Minister for Transport saying that there needs to be a reopening of in centre testing “as quickly as possible”.
“On the same issue, it’s hugely important that learner drivers can get their theory test and get on with their lessons and get on with the summer,” said Moynihan.
“Overall, there are nearly 150,000 people we’re hearing being rescheduled again and again – there needs to be reopening of the in centre testing, and a date set for that as quickly as possible.”
Martin added that the summer would “represent an opportunity to get moving” on the reopening of theory test facilities.
“I think you made a very good point, the summer months do represent an opportunity to get moving on this. Just in relation to the excess of 3,000 online tests in June that is being offered on the Road Safety Authority, the RSA is also working to increase capacity in its physical testing centres as is being asked,” Martin said.
“This will see the number of tests in centres increase. Covid-19 has had the impact here, not the Government or anyone else.
“So, the challenge is how quickly can we get this back up and running given that it is very important for young people in terms of seeking jobs, employment, and just generally.”
The RSA confirmed earlier this month that online theory tests will be made available by the end of May.
RSA Spokesman Brian Farrell told MidWest Radio that they are hoping to accommodate 4,000 tests a month, but are still hoping to reopen physical test centres in the near future.
“We hope to have a monthly output of about 4,000 tests a month, but it won’t be until later in the year that we can accommodate significant numbers of online theory tests,” he said.
“That’s why it really is the reopening of the actual physical test centres, where we can deliver 50,000 tests a month, that the solution lies for the theory tests.
Unfortunately, the online tests will only be available to people who are sitting exams to get a learner permit for a bus or a truck, to begin with.
However, the assessments will expand to include theory tests for cars in the coming months.
Essential workers are now able to take Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor.
EDT lessons will apply to any essential workers as well as people who already began their lessons before level five restrictions came into place.
To apply for lessons you must fill out this form to “self-declare” your status as an essential worker.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
