15/06/2021
Driving Test Backlog Has 'Veered Out Of Control'
The Infrastructure Minister and the DVA Chief Executive have been challenged on their plan to deal with the current driving test backlog by incoming chairman of the Northern Ireland Assembly's Infrastructure Committee and DUP Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley.
Mr Buckley said: "The backlog has veered out of control. It is devastating for all young drivers but especially those young people who own a car, have insured and taxed it but have never been able to pass their test.
"On day one in the role of Chair, I will be making this a priority and asking the Committee to back a detailed inquiry into driving tests.
"On 1 September last year, outgoing Chair Michelle McIlveen called a special meeting of the Infrastructure Committee to address the growing backlog of young people unable to sit their practical test. We estimated the backlog at that time to be 20k, yet the Minister poured cold water on our figures and sought to downplay the situation. With confirmation of a 22k backlog, Michelle was right, and the Minister was out of touch.
"In 2020 almost 30,000 fewer driving tests have been conducted compared to the same period in 2019, so even the Minister's 22k figure seems suspect.
"Minister Mallon previously said that under current risk assessments, examiners can only conduct five rather than the normal six practical tests per day. We need to know are all test centres operating and how many tests can be completed per day over the next six months?
"The Minister has said she is working to increase capacity by recruiting more examiners and offering evening and weekend appointments however much of the detail is lacking.
"We need a clear plan and fresh thinking to get a fairer outcome for our young people."
Mr Buckley said: "The backlog has veered out of control. It is devastating for all young drivers but especially those young people who own a car, have insured and taxed it but have never been able to pass their test.
"On day one in the role of Chair, I will be making this a priority and asking the Committee to back a detailed inquiry into driving tests.
"On 1 September last year, outgoing Chair Michelle McIlveen called a special meeting of the Infrastructure Committee to address the growing backlog of young people unable to sit their practical test. We estimated the backlog at that time to be 20k, yet the Minister poured cold water on our figures and sought to downplay the situation. With confirmation of a 22k backlog, Michelle was right, and the Minister was out of touch.
"In 2020 almost 30,000 fewer driving tests have been conducted compared to the same period in 2019, so even the Minister's 22k figure seems suspect.
"Minister Mallon previously said that under current risk assessments, examiners can only conduct five rather than the normal six practical tests per day. We need to know are all test centres operating and how many tests can be completed per day over the next six months?
"The Minister has said she is working to increase capacity by recruiting more examiners and offering evening and weekend appointments however much of the detail is lacking.
"We need a clear plan and fresh thinking to get a fairer outcome for our young people."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 September 2002
Larne test centre receives top quality award
Management and staff of the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency’s Larne Test Centre have received a top award in recognition of their achievements from Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt today.
Larne test centre receives top quality award
Management and staff of the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency’s Larne Test Centre have received a top award in recognition of their achievements from Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt today.
10 May 2021
DVA Re-Opens Practical Driving Test Booking System
The DVA has re-opened its practical driving test booking system with more capacity. A priority booking system has been in place since 26 April 2021. Those customers affected by the restrictions and who had their appointments cancelled were given first access to the booking system.
DVA Re-Opens Practical Driving Test Booking System
The DVA has re-opened its practical driving test booking system with more capacity. A priority booking system has been in place since 26 April 2021. Those customers affected by the restrictions and who had their appointments cancelled were given first access to the booking system.
29 May 2012
Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
The Environment Minister has tabled plans that amount to a radical shake-up of the rules for learner drivers. Teenagers could be able to get behind the wheel at the age of 16-and-a-half, and the 45mph speed limit for new drivers could be scrapped.
Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
The Environment Minister has tabled plans that amount to a radical shake-up of the rules for learner drivers. Teenagers could be able to get behind the wheel at the age of 16-and-a-half, and the 45mph speed limit for new drivers could be scrapped.
07 February 2024
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
05 February 2024
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.