Minister Nichola Mallon challenged to state exact NI driving test backlog

Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon has been challenged to say exactly how large the backlog for driving tests is, as none have taken place since the end of March.
By Philip Bradfield
Published 22nd Aug 2020, 06:30 BST
The chair of the Infrastructure Committee claimed the driving test backlog could be 23,000 people and queried the department's estimated catch up period.The chair of the Infrastructure Committee claimed the driving test backlog could be 23,000 people and queried the department's estimated catch up period.
The chair of the Infrastructure Committee claimed the driving test backlog could be 23,000 people and queried the department's estimated catch up period.

In Friday’s News Letter, chair of the Stormont Infrastructure Committee, Michelle McIlveen, estimated the backlog to be around 23,000 tests - which the department did not contest.

She said that tests stopped five months ago and that it is “a scandal” that young people are still not able to book tests online. The department said the backlog would be cleared in six to eight weeks.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However Ms McIlveen questioned how realistic the timescale is. “Six to eight weeks is the usual backlog within the DVA system even during normal times,” the DUP MLA said. “However, at the moment people cannot even apply for a test.”

Ms McIlveen said the DVA is telling some people it may be 2021 before they can take a test. She pressed the minister to say how many tests are in the backlog and how many tests were carried out from March 24 to August 31 in each of the last five years, to help verify the estimate.

The departmental spokeswoman said it has details for 3,800 applicants who are either key workers, or who had a test booked and cancelled in late March to the end of June.

“When driver testing resumes on September 1, key workers will be tested first, followed by those candidates who had their test cancelled. The DVA has started to contact these customers to arrange the scheduling of their tests, starting from 1 September and the remainder will be contacted shortly. A further update will be provided by the DVA to advise when it is opening its booking system for all other new customers. As stated on several occasions the time frame is planned for the next six to eight weeks.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Record-breaking number of learner drivers in wake of lockdown

MLA: Backlog of 23,000 driving tests a scandal

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor

Related topics:Nichola Mallon