No more extensions to the validity of learner driver permits will be given, confirmed Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton. The government has already extended the permits three times and as the restrictions eased, the tests will go on normal and no further extensions will be given, the Minister said.
Earlier permits that expired between March 1 and June 30, 2020, that were previously extended by eight months were extended by a further 10 months and permits that expired between July 1 and October 31, 2020, that were previously extended by four months will now be extended by a further 10 months. Permits that expired between November 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021, were extended for 10 months.
Currently there are 67,684 people waiting to receive test dates and further 10,094 have received a date and are waiting to take the test.
“Following the easing of restrictions, National Drivier Licence Services centres are now open to all applicants and measures have been put in place to align with the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocols.”
“In addition, the online application system is available to applicants with a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account.” Minister said.
According to her, 116 additional testers are being hired and the backlog would be cleared within 14 weeks. 5,000 tests are to be carried out each week.
In the upcoming tests, people with longest waiting time in the list will be given priority along with the frontline workers. Anyone who is eligible to take test can seek a date from now on.
The Minister also advised the young drivers to pass theory test, hold a Learner Permit for at least six months and take 12 mandatory lessons before the final test. 44% of the people who sit in tests get failed, she noted while answering to the questions in Dail.