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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."
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Largely dry with clear spells at first, a few showers in the north and west. Becoming cloudier with rain spreading east through the early hours. Becoming windy, westerly gales developing along the north coast. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
