LEARNER drivers in the North of Ireland who had tests cancelled because of the pandemic will be given priority access to re-book an examination.
Driving tests were suspended as part of the current four-week restrictions.
About 2,500 driving tests have been cancelled during this period, according to the Department of Infrastructure (DoI).
This includes about 1,000 key workers and learners who had their first test cancelled between March and June.
Driving tests are due to resume on 14 November subject to whether the NI Executive approves the end of restrictions this week.
Those affected will be given advance access to the booking system from 9 November, the chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) said.
Jeremy Logan told Stormont’s Infrastructure Committee about 2,000 additional appointments will be made available over November, December and January to help ease the backlog.
Tests will continue to be offered on Saturdays and there are plans to conduct driving tests for heavy goods on Sundays where appropriate, he added.
“We know that learner drivers are keen to take their driving test at the earliest opportunity and we acknowledge their frustration has been further compounded by the further frustration of driving tests,” said Mr Logan.
“We are working hard to maximise the availability of test slots across all of our test centres however the Covid restrictions mean that we’ve had to adapt our services to ensure that they can be conducted safely and we ask our customers to remain patient at this difficult time.”
The deputy secretary of the DVA, Julie Thompson, said that MOT testing is taking place in all of the North of Ireland’s 15 test centres but at reduced capacity.
She said centres were operating at about 30% of their maximum capacity because of Covid safety measures, including reduced lanes and social distancing.
MOT centre at Newbuildings
Testing was further disrupted by the pandemic.
The agency issued temporary exemption certificates (TECs) so motorists could stay on the road.
She added that the DVA is aware that many TECs are due to expire in the new year and her team is working hard to address this deadline.
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