AQW 24692/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 20/10/2021
Answered On Date: 25/10/2021
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what consideration her Department has given to additional actions that can be used to address the backlog in driving tests beyond the recruitment of additional examiners.

Answer:

The DVA has, and continues, to work hard to increase its capacity to help meet the high demand for driving tests for all customers, including those who are required to take a further driving test.

In the first five full months since driving tests resumed, on 23 April, the DVA has conducted 29,687 driving tests, which is 45% higher than the five-year average for that period.

In addition to the recruitment of additional examiners, the DVA has taken a range of measures to maximise the availability of driving test slots at all test centres, including the provision of new temporary test centres, if needed in the local area and there is sufficient driving examiner capacity. The new temporary test centres at Cookstown and Omagh have now opened for appointments.