Lack of action on driving tests ‘unacceptable’

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has described the lack of any action to deal with the massive driving test backlog as unacceptable and said the long delays is causing serious disruption for a huge amount of his constituents. Teachta Seán Crowe said: “Sinn Fein been raising the delays with driving tests and lessons for some time now, but the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan seems to be asleep at the wheel when it comes to action on this issue
 
“Getting a driving licence is an absolute essential service for people, but with the system closed for months, it is instead causing havoc for people. “Even frontline workers cannot sit a test now unless they completed their 12 EDT lessons before the system closed. “I have asked the Minister for Transport to consider using rapid antigen testing for the sector, to provide another level of protection, on top of PPE, to help re-open this vital service. “Unions representing Approved Driving Instructors have also sent proposals to the Minster and to the RSA, with a range of actions that will help address the backlog.
 
“The theory test is also still suspended. We asked that this test would be put online, which would allow people sit it remotely, while also ensuring its integrity is protected. We are still waiting for this to be introduced. “The latest information I have shows 98,414 people are waiting to sit their driving test, while another 79,276 are waiting to sit their theory test. Almost ten thousand people are waiting on a test in Tallaght alone. “Unfortunately, Minister Ryan is not treating this issue with the urgency it deserves. “It cannot be pushed down the agenda any longer. It is vital that driving lessons and tests can resume with appropriate safety procedures in place. The Minister must find a solution within existing constraints.”