INFRASTRUCTURE Minister Nichola Mallon has confirmed plans for a priority booking system for driving tests following the Executive’s decision to reinstate practical driving tests from April 23.

Between April 15 and 26, customers affected by the restrictions and who had their appointments cancelled and fee refunded will be advised by the DVA how they can book a new test date before the booking system will open in three phases, as follows.

The booking system for Phase 1 customers, whose theory test pass certificates will expire by October 31, will open from April 26.

The booking system for Phase 2 customers, whose theory test pass certificates will expire between November 1 and March 31 next, will open from May 4.

Finally, Phase 3 sees the DVA set to reopen the booking service for all other customers in mid-May, and it will issue further communications through indirect and social media channels, and write to all Approved Driving Instructors to confirm the process and the exact date.

The DVA will contact Phase 1 and Phase 2 customers directly to advise them when they can access the booking system.

Minister Mallon said: “My priority during this crisis continues to be to keep customers and staff safe while minimising disruption.

"Practical driving tests, along with other close contact services, have been disrupted due to the Executive's [Covid] regulations introduced to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

"These are challenging times for us all, and I appreciate the frustrations felt by learner drivers who have been unable to take their practical driving tests during this time.

“To mitigate the impact on customers due to the cessation of practical driving tests, I brought forward legislation to extend the validity of theory test pass certificates.

"As I announced in January, bookings for driving tests will be prioritised based on the expiry dates of theory test pass certificates.

"I can confirm that the booking service will open in three phases between now and the middle of May and it is right and fair that priority is given to those who have been waiting for the longest time."

She continued: “The DVA has, and continues, to work hard to maximise the availability of test slots and plans to release additional slots in May, June and July to provide further capacity.

“The DVA continues to increase its capacity by recruiting additional examiners and will be offering evening appointments as we move into spring and the brighter nights.

"The DVA will continue to offer driving tests on a Saturday, and driving tests for Heavy Goods Vehicles on Sundays where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test.

"Overtime will also be used to rota off-shift dual-role driving examiners, to provide further capacity.

“All driving test services across these islands are experiencing high demand with longer than usual waiting times, like all public-facing services.

"The Covid restrictions mean that the DVA has had to adapt its services to ensure that they can be provided safely.

"The Department, the DVA and I remain committed to minimising disruption and ensuring our plan for the restoration of services is in hand, and most importantly, remain committed to protecting the lives of staff and customers during this pandemic,” said Minister Mallon.