Mayo TD told of concerns over high number of driving test no-shows
The current number of confirmed bookings on the driving test system is 116,024 scheduled tests, Mayo TD Dara Calleary has been informed.
Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton told him that during the five weeks up to July 5, up to 37,303 theory tests were scheduled to take place, 28,945 tests were taken and, of those, 22,603 were passed. The number of people who failed to pass was 6,342.
She said: "It is clear that the service is back up and running.
"However, I am concerned at the number of applicants who do not show up for their test.
"The no-show figure is notable at 5,351. It is hugely disappointing that nearly 15% of candidates for the theory test are no-shows on the day, especially when there has been such high demand for the service.
"This puts an unnecessary strain on the service and further complicates matters for the many people awaiting a test and who will ultimately be delayed as a result.
"I know the Road Safety Authority, RSA, is concerned about this too and I understand it is looking at communications and reminders in order to reduce this number.
"Due to the suspension of driving testing services in the initial pandemic response, along with the health protocols required since the resumption of services, a significant backlog has developed.
"Driving tests for essential workers continue to be a priority for the driving testing service.
"However, in line with the gradual reopening of services, driving tests for all those who are eligible to take the test and have been waiting longest have recommenced in a limited fashion since the end of May.
"The further reopening of driving testing services will be the subject of discussions between the Department of Transport and the RSA in the coming weeks.
"The RSA driver testers are undertaking driving tests in extremely difficult conditions in an enclosed space where physical distancing is very difficult.
"They are using vehicles provided by the test candidates, which are not controllable environments.
"An additional 40 temporary testers were recruited in the second quarter of the year and 18 of the new recruits have completed training and been live testing since the week commencing June 7.
"There are 21 more who have successfully completed training and began live testing on July 12. Sanction was recently received for a further 40 temporary testers.
Deputy Calleary said for the past number of weeks his office has been inundated with complaints from people who cannot get detail, who have had test cancelled four, five, six, and seven times.
These people cannot get jobs because they cannot get on the driver licence waiting list and cannot get information from either Prometric or the Road Safety Agency, RSA, about what is going on.
He elaborated: "Surely as a government committed to a digital strategy we can put this online for a much greater number of people than we are currently doing.
"Third-level colleges and fourth-level institutions are doing exams online with appropriate supervision. We can do driver theory tests online with appropriate supervision.
"I have also had many complaints from people who are getting emails on the morning of the test, or even when they are outside the centre, informing them their test is cancelled.
"The backlog due to Covid is one thing, but the manner in which people, and young drivers in particular, are being treated is unacceptable."