726. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 952 of 3 June 2020, the progress to date in having a resumption of driver lessons and driver tests; if the necessary preparations and systems are in place to enable the commencement of such necessary services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12497/20]

It is envisaged that, in line with Phase 3 of the Government Roadmap, driver testing will resume on a phased basis from 29 June. I can confirm that the Department and the RSA have agreed protocols for the resumption, initially, for trucks, buses and motorcycles , with testing for cars, vans and minibus by Phase 4. Final dates for service resumption are dependent on continued positive progression of the country against the overall Government roadmap.

The RSA is advising authorised driving instructors, of their plans for resuming services and including the protocols to be observed in testing, with a view to them reopening their businesses on or after 29 June, in accordance with the Government's acceleration of Phase 3 of the National Return to Work Safely Protocol as developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts.