Mallon to extend Theory Test Pass Certificates for learner drivers.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has today confirmed that the Driving Licence Regulations will be amended under Article 5(3) of the Road Traffic (NI) Order 1981 to extend the validity of theory test pass certificates for learner drivers during the Covid-19 crisis.

Announcing the news, Minister Mallon said:

“I am pleased to announce that I have asked officials to amend the Driving Licence Regulations to extend the validity of theory test pass certificates. This will be a welcome relief for many learner drivers who are worried about losing out due to the impact of Covid-19 on our services.

“Test certificates which expire between 1 March 2020 and 31 October 2020 will be extended by eight months, and the validity of off-road motorcycle test pass certificates which expire between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 will be extended by six months.  My priority during this crisis is to keep people safe and to minimise disruption and inconvenience to our customers.  This legislative change will come into effect in September 2020 and will be applied retrospectively.  It will benefit over 1,300 people.

“As many will be aware a number of DVA services have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately as we now look to recovery, the Department has been able to confirm that a number of services will now return.    

“As previously announced, the DVA plans to reinstate some driver testing services in July for those licence categories where testing can be done safely in line with current PHA advice and guidance on social distancing requirements.  The DVA has reinstated motorbike driving tests from 6 July and tests for drivers of buses, tractors and module 4 CPC tests for lorry, bus and coach drivers, are planned from 20 July. From 6 July driver theory tests have also been reintroduced, with safe social distancing in place.

“The DVA continues to work on proposals to safely resume practical driving tests for cars and lorries as soon as possible. While a date for the resumption of these services has not yet been confirmed, this legislative change is a step forward for drivers who have already passed their theory test and are keen to take their practical driving test. My Department continues to work at pace to find solutions to ensure the safe resumption of all services, working in partnership with staff and the unions.  I will continue to keep the public updated during this changing and challenging time.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Certificates which expire between 1 March 2020 and 31 October 2020 will be extended for eight months and off-road motorcycle test pass certificates which expire between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 by six months.
2. The move will be confirmed by an amendment to the Road Traffic Order under negative procedure which will come into effect from September 2020.
3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
4. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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