NCT service resumes but Cavan and Monaghan centres remain closed for now

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has confirmed the phased reopening of some RSA’s services from Monday, June 8, the start of phase 2 of the Government’s road map for easing of COVID-19 restrictions but the Driver Testing Service remains suspended.

While 15 National Car Testing (NCT) testing centres have reopened, Cavan and Monaghan remain closed. The closest NCT centres open in this region are Athlone and Drogheda.

The service has confirmed that the reopening of the remaining NCT centres will be on a phased basis during June and July and motorists are advised to continue to check the NCTS website for further updates.

The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the Driver Theory Test (DTT), and the NCT Service commenced re-opening on a gradual basis from last Monday. The re-opening of these services is being done in line with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol agreed by employer and worker representatives. This follows the resumption of the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing (CVRT) Service in Phase one from May 18.

Making the announcement Transport Minister Shane Ross said: “People do need to understand that things will be different. This is to ensure we continue to protect the health and well-being of both staff and the public. This must remain the overriding priority. Therefore, the delivery of these services will be subject to measures designed to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19.”

Some of the conditions that will apply to services re-opening include:

· Customers must make an appointment in advance to avail of any service. No walk-in appointments will be accommodated. This will be kept under review.

· All services must be paid for with credit / debit cards. No cash will be taken.

· Social distancing should always be maintained.

· Anyone wishing to use these services are reminded that they are subject to the Government’s current restriction on travel

“As I extended the validity of various certificates and licences relating to these services on 28 March for periods up four months, the greatest demand from the public for these services has been reduced in the short term. However, I believe it is important that the RSA’s services continue the gradual process of reopening, so we can contribute to the process of reopening Ireland’s economy and society,” said Minister Ross.

He added that some motorists affected by the ‘vehicle lift’ issue still need to complete their tests. “These customers and anyone else who has been unable to complete their full vehicle inspection are to be prioritised. They are also being urged to check the NCTS website for updates.

“The reopening of the Driver Theory Test will allow people to sit the theory test. The opening of NDLS centres will then allow these people to apply for a learner permit, it will also enable people to apply for a replacement licence that may have been lost or stolen,” said the Minister.

He confirmed that the Driver Testing Service is not re-opening as part of this phase in the Government’s road map. I do wish to provide an update on this service. “There are challenges to overcome in order to re-open this service fully. While I do see the possibility of truck, bus and motorcycle testing resuming, in Phase 3, there are issues to overcome to recommence car driving tests.”

These challenges include maintaining social distancing as a car driving test means close contact in an enclosed space between the driver tester and the learner driver for periods in excess of 15 minutes. I can assure learner drivers that officials in my Department and the RSA are looking at all available options to get car driving tests started again as soon as possible,” he said.