Pausing driving tests should be ‘urgently reviewed’ says DUP MP

MP Carla Lockhart described the driving test situation as a ‘shambles’.

Meanwhile local driving instructor Anthony Hendron voiced disappointment after all the work in reopening the test centre at Craigavon.

“Driving instructors have been let down for the second time by the Department of Infrastructure and the DVA. For some reason driving instructors have been forgotten in all this shambles. My pupils are totally devastated.

“Some had their test cancelled in March and they have been cancelled again. It is unacceptable, I personally would like to see the evidence that would suggest driving schools contribute to the rise in Covid cases.”

Mrs Lockhart called on Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon to urgently review the decision to postpone driving tests and called on the minister to provide evidence that driving lessons and tests had contributed the increase in cases, and also to outline how the backlog of tests would be addressed.

“We now have a situation that the backlog facing learner drivers is even longer than it was only a matter of weeks ago,” said the MP who called for an action plan to ease the backlog.

“The freedom that so many people crave, or that many need for work or caring duties, is being put on hold. I have had various examples brought to my attention where this decision is really impacting on peoples lives.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said: “Driving lessons will not be possible for the next four weeks after the Executive took the decision to include driving instructors in the regulations on business to close to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

“Driving tests will also not take place over this period of increased restrictions. This decision reflects public health and scientific evidence because driving instructors and examiners are in close contact for significant periods of time. Motorcycle lessons and tests are not affected by these new restrictions following the Executive decision.

“The DVA met with the Northern Ireland Approved Instructors Council (NIAIC) on Friday, 16 October, to confirm that driving instruction was to be included in the public health regulations and driving tests would also cease for the same period.

“The DVA has kept in regular contact with NIAIC and Approved Instructors throughout the Covid pandemic, providing regular updates about driver testing services.

“Driving tests are fully booked between now and January and therefore those customers with tests booked within the next four weeks will now have their appointments cancelled, refunded and they will need to be rescheduled. The booking service is now closed and the DVA will contact those who had their driving tests cancelled to advise them how they can reschedule their appointments.

“To create additional capacity the DVA is planning to open up the booking system for February for these impacted customers only. Further appointments will be made available in November, December and January as DVA works to increase capacity by recruiting additional examiners. These slots, when they are released, will also only be available to these impacted customers. We are also conscious that some key workers may be within this group and we will be setting up a process to give them priority appointments and we will contact these customers directly.

“We understand this is a challenging time for the industry and students and will continue to work to ensure the safety of all. The Minister continues to work with Ministerial colleagues and fully supports her Executive colleagues devising support schemes for businesses that have been required to close.”

https://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/news/crime/several-large-gangs-youths-some-throwing-fireworks-and-setting-fires-are-terrorising-ni-town-3008927

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.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five 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.

Thank you