AQW 18324/17-22
Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast
Tabled Date: 04/05/2021
Answered On Date: 11/05/2021
Priority Written: Yes
Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given the reliance on shift work and issues around fatigue across the Health and Social Care workforce as vital services are restored, what proposals is she bringing forward to speed up access to priority driving tests for these workers.
Answer:
Following the Executive’s decision on 15 April to relax some Covid-19 restrictions, the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) resumed practical driving tests and theory tests on 23 April, with appropriate mitigations in place. The DVA continues to work with the Department of Health on priority applications for key workers whose jobs are ancillary to medical, health or social care services and who need to drive for their work. If a critical worker meets these requirements, their employer must contact the DVA and identify staff in these priority groups. The DVA will then try to make priority appointments for both theory and practical driving tests. The DVA are not in a position to consider any applications that do not meet the above criteria. Following the phased reopening of the practical driving test booking service based on the expiry dates of theory test pass certificates, to give priority to those who have been waiting the longest time, I am pleased to confirm that the booking service for practical driving tests opened for all customers on 10 May 2021, providing everyone with a valid theory test pass certificate with equal opportunity to book a driving test. The DVA has, and continues, to work hard to increase its capacity to help meet the expected high demand for driving tests. The DVA has taken a range of measures to maximise the availability of test slots, including the recruitment of additional examiners and the provision of new temporary test centres. They will continue to offer driving tests on a Saturday and at certain centres on Sundays where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. Overtime will also be used to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide further capacity. Additional slots are therefore being made available from now until the end of August and bookings for September and October have been released to accommodate more learners. Driver theory testing has resumed at the six established test centres, with additional slots at each location and extended opening hours being provided to help address the increased demand. An additional temporary test centre, which will be located in Ballymena, will also be opened that can provide around 1,000 test slots per week. Customers can book appointments through the online theory test booking system, with priority initially being given to customers whose tests have been affected by the suspension of theory test services due to Covid-19 restrictions. I remain committed to minimising disruption and ensuring the DVA’s plan for the restoration of services is in hand, however, all driving test services across these islands are experiencing high demand with longer than usual waiting times and I would ask customers for their continued patience.
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