Minister Nichola Mallon pressed to resume driving tests for sake of economy as lockdown eases

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has been pressed to publish a date for the resumption of driving tests in light of their “crucial” role in the economy.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jun 2020, 06:30 BST
Driving tests and lessons are one of the last areas where lockdown rules are to be relaxed.Driving tests and lessons are one of the last areas where lockdown rules are to be relaxed.
Driving tests and lessons are one of the last areas where lockdown rules are to be relaxed.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced that learners in England can resume driving lessons and tests from July 4 and 22 respectively.

The Stormont Executive this week announced a raft of dates on which many aspects of NI can reopen as the coronavirus pandemic eases, including pubs, team sports, hair salons and gyms.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But DUP Strangford MLA Michelle McIlveen, who also chairs the Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee, has called on the minister to publish a date for the resumption of driving tests in Northern Ireland.

“While driving tests were suspended, and that was a sensible step at the time, it is essential we are provided with a precise date for these to recommence,” she said.

“Having suspended all tests on 20 March 2020, the Minister is more than aware of the backlog which has been created. Despite being asked, the Minister has failed to provide a plan to address this. The ability to drive is crucial for the economy and, in particular, for people to secure employment.”

Driving instructors are able to work from 6th July but the only people able to get tests at that point will be those seeking off-road and on-road motorcycle licenses, she said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The DUP MLA said that from July 20, practical driving tests in the additional categories of bus, tractor and module 4 CPC tests for lorry, bus and coach drivers will resume.

“While this is positive, there needs to be a clear plan for the public and for other stakeholders such as instructors about practical car tests. Whilst DVLA England has sent detailed information to their stakeholders, communication from DVA has been incredibly poor. The Minister needs get on top of the matter and address it urgently.”

The minister was invited to respond.

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

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 MallonEnglandNorthern IrelandDUPStormont Executive