Roadmap for driving test restart sought
Almost 26,000 learner drivers waiting for their driving test in Ireland face a bumpy road ahead with no date set for the reopening of the testing service following the Coronavirus shutdown.
Over 14,500 driving tests were cancelled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a further 11,500 learners applying for tests since March with applications remaining open.
The Department of Transport had said the resumption of driver testing raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the National Return to Work Safety Protocol.
Of particular concern is that tester and candidate will be sitting within a two-metre distance and in a confined space for more than 20 minutes.
It has been suggested therefore that driving tests may resume as part of the final phase of reopening the country, which is Phase 4 on July 20.
Truck, bus and motorcycle testing may resume as part of phase three on June 29.
Certainty was sought by Fianna Fáil's Aiden Fitzpatrick, who raised the matter at the recent monthly meeting of elected members.
Cootehill representative Cllr Fitzpatrick's motion called on Cavan County Council to ask the Minister for Transport to be more definitive in providing a “roadmap” for test centre reopening.
“I understand that driving instructors have put forward detailed plans on how tests and lessons could be resumed safely, but as of yet the minister in charge has not provide any guidance or roadmap as to when tests and lessons may resume,” said Cllr Fitzpatrick, highlighting how local TD Brendan Smith had raised the issue in the Dáil.
Cllr Fitzpatrick said that those disproportionately put out by the lack of clarity were young drivers living in rural areas, forced then to rely on family members and other relatives.
“In rural Ireland with very little public transport, only two local link routes in close proximity to Cavan Town, the need for your driving licence is of utmost importance,” he said.
Since December 2018, car owners who allow learner drivers to use their car unaccompanied can be fined up to €1,000, or face up to six months in prison and have their vehicles seized.
It had been announced that learner permits due to expire from March 1 to June 30 inclusive would have their period of validity extended by those four months.
However, Cllr Fitzpatrick stated the longer the delay in resuming testing, the worse the impact will be.
Fine Gael's Winston Bennett described the proposal as an “excellent motion”, and said that young people need their driving licences.
He added enthusiastically, with reference to the formation of a new Government: “Whoever the Minister will be, one thing is certain, it won't be Shane Ross!”