RSA Resumption of Services

Dear ADI,

I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the provision of driving instruction, both EDT and non-
EDT lessons. I also wanted to update you on the gradual return of the Road Safety Authority’s (RSA) services, in particular, the Driving Test Service and the Driver Theory Test Service.

EDT and Non-EDT Lessons.

The gradual reopening of the driving test service allows Approved Driving Instructors (ADI’s) to deliver EDT
training to all learner drivers, regardless of their status. As a result, the RSA can confirm that ADIs can now
resume delivering lessons to all customers regardless of their status. Learner drivers no longer need to
complete the ‘essential worker’ self-declaration form and present it to an ADI to take EDT or non-EDT lessons.
ADI’s must also continue to adhere to Government and HSE guidelines taking all necessary and appropriate
measures to prevent the spread of Covid 19 (see gov.ie).

The Driving Test Service.

The driver testing service has continued to operate during Covid-19 restrictions and since last October has
been prioritising essential workers. In May the Government permitted the gradual reopening of the service
for those customers who fall into the “non-essential category”. We will continue to build on this, and driver
testing operations have begun to fully reopen, on a gradual basis, as additional capacity comes on stream.
This means, in the interest of fairness, we will be offering invitations for test appointments to those waiting
longest who are ready and eligible to take the test. We will be sending you a more detailed communication
on this in the coming days.

It is important to state that while the gradual process to fully reopen the driving test service has begun, we
will still be delivering tests in line with existing public health requirements to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Your continued patience and understanding is appreciated as plans are put in place to return safely and
gradually to delivering tests fairly to all Customers.

Driver Theory Test.

The gradual re-opening of in person driver theory test centres commenced on 8th June. The Road Safety
Authority (RSA) reopened test centres and introduced capacity to increase the number of tests from an
average of 15,000 tests (in normal times) to 25,000 monthly, to tackle the back log and shorten waiting times.
The test centres have extensive Covid 19 measures in place to protect both customers and staff and to ensure
the safe delivery of the service. Plans are now being put in place to increase capacity to 50,000 appointments
monthly at test centres on a gradual basis in line with public health requirements.
Separately up to 6,000 online theory test appointments per month are currently being offered to candidates.

The Department of Transport and the RSA are very conscious of the significant number of people waiting to
take their driver theory test. Every possible measure is being put in place to ensure that the maximum
number of customers can be served while public health guidance is strictly adhered to.

Yours sincerely,
Marian Lambe
ADI Chief Examiner

Category: RSA Press Release