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Coronavirus and the driving test (all tests now suspended)

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  • 13-03-2020 12:47am
    #1
    caldew
    Registered Users Posts: 97 ✭✭


    Hard to believe the RSA are conducting driving tests in these telling times.

    Testers are sitting in cars with strangers they know nothing about within an enclosed environment for an extended period.

    I'm told lots of ADI's have withdrawn their service but the RSA keep the cash cow going


«1

Comments

  • Options
    #2
    Wishbone Ash
    Registered Users Posts: 24,952 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    caldew wrote: »
    Hard to believe the RSA are conducting driving tests in these telling times.

    Testers are sitting in cars with strangers they know nothing about within an enclosed environment for an extended period....
    I don't understand your logic. Sharing a vehicle with one person is multiple times safer than using public transport, visiting a pub, restaurant, shop, airport etc. or being at work - none of which have been prohibited.


  • Options
    #3
    Posy
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 27,523 Mod ✭✭✭✭Posy


    All tests now suspended until March 29th.


  • Options
    #4
    Cork Trucker
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,553 ✭✭✭Cork Trucker


    https://twitter.com/rsaireland/status/1238467062508457989?s=21


  • Options
    #5
    Markhealylouth
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭Markhealylouth


    Posy wrote: »
    All tests now suspended until March 29th.

    I'm waiting for a test date, my concern now is using public transport until I get my license. If this Corona is going to get worse people in my position are not keeping enough distance from eachother. I have my own car, what are other users experience and thoughts on this?


  • Options
    #6
    Posy
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 27,523 Mod ✭✭✭✭Posy


    I'm getting the bus as normal. No other choice for me to get to work.
    Everyone else I work with is still getting public transport, as I am in the city with no parking.

    Luckily it's so quiet, everyone has a seat to themselves, and I make sure to sanitise once I'm off the bus, and wash my hands once I am back indoors.


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  • Options
    #7
    MascotDec85
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 1,924 Mod ✭✭✭✭MascotDec85


    Markhealylouth wrote: »
    I'm waiting for a test date, my concern now is using public transport until I get my license. If this Corona is going to get worse people in my position are not keeping enough distance from eachother. I have my own car, what are other users experience and thoughts on this?

    Tests are suspended until at least March 29th and they currently aren’t scheduling new ones. The suspended ones will take priority when they start back and the waiting list will lengthen


  • Options
    #8
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 14,344 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I was supposed to do my (motorbike) theory test today, and got an email and text last night saying it was cancelled, and to ring or email them to re-schedule.

    I don't really see the point in re-scheduling as surely they'll just be cancelled again in a week or two anyway.

    Have seen some Driving Instructor cars still out on the road so at least they're still keeping above board, if nothing else. I don't think they're cancelling the tests because they're dangerous as such, more so that they are moving all public sector workers from 'non essential' work to the HSE/Social Welfare to man those areas instead?


  • Options
    #9
    caldew
    Registered Users Posts: 97 ✭✭caldew


    Northern Ireland has suspended tests until 22nd June


  • Options
    #10
    caldew
    Registered Users Posts: 97 ✭✭caldew


    All tests cancelled until 19th April


  • Options
    #11
    Phoenix Wright
    Closed Accounts Posts: 717 ✭✭✭Phoenix Wright


    I guess I should give up on any hope of doing my test before the summer's out :( cancelled the week before and countless hours of practice wasted


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  • Options
    #12
    MascotDec85
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 1,924 Mod ✭✭✭✭MascotDec85


    Phoenix Wright wrote: »
    I guess I should give up on any hope of doing my test before the summer's out :( cancelled the week before and countless hours of practice wasted

    It’s unfortunate but unavoidable. People who had tests cancelled will be given priority when they resume.


  • Options
    #13
    Phoenix Wright
    Closed Accounts Posts: 717 ✭✭✭Phoenix Wright


    MascotDec85 wrote:
    It’s unfortunate but unavoidable. People who had tests cancelled will be given priority when they resume.


    Hopefully, I've put myself on the cancellation list too so I'm hoping it's all processed quickly. The main thing I'm worried about is if I were to fail the first time around, would I be waiting an abnormally long time for another test and put to the back of the line? My instructor expected me to pass first time, but now the pressure of everything feels enormous.

    Having to drive accompanied means hundreds of euro on insurance is going to waste since I made the plunge and bought my own car :/ I would love to wake up tomorrow and see this situation end, but it feels like it's going to be many many months


  • Options
    #14
    Thargor
    Registered Users Posts: 17,865 ✭✭✭✭Thargor


    Anyone know when the NDLS centres are open again? Besides the outdated info on the website that is...


  • Options
    #15
    LorelaiG
    Registered Users Posts: 699 ✭✭✭LorelaiG


    Thargor wrote: »
    Anyone know when the NDLS centres are open again? Besides the outdated info on the website that is...

    They will be closed until the government restrictions are lifted.

    If you need to renew your licence you can do so by post, or online if you have a myGovID account.


  • Options
    #16
    Phoenix Wright
    Closed Accounts Posts: 717 ✭✭✭Phoenix Wright


    LorelaiG wrote: »
    They will be closed until the government restrictions are lifted.

    If you need to renew your licence you can do so by post, or online if you have a myGovID account.

    Is there a way of setting up a MyGovID account at any stage before the restrictions are lifted? I can't seem to book an appointment online. The NDLS need to introduce a way for drivers on their third or subsequent permit to renew as too.

    There's a real lack of clarity from the RSA atm and still no formal announcement on the extension of licenses


  • Options
    #17
    splinter65
    Registered Users Posts: 9,420 ✭✭✭splinter65


    Phoenix Wright wrote: »
    Is there a way of setting up a MyGovID account at any stage before the restrictions are lifted? I can't seem to book an appointment online. The NDLS need to introduce a way for drivers on their third or subsequent permit to renew as too.

    There's a real lack of clarity from the RSA atm and still no formal announcement on the extension of licenses

    Right on the NDLS website front page I found this:
    https://ndls.ie/images/FAQ_on_NDLS_closure_due_to_Covid_19_V3.pdf

    It says that they plan to have found a way for everyone to renew their permit/licence by May. The FAQs cover everything.
    What was it you wanted to know that’s not in there?


  • Options
    #18
    Phoenix Wright
    Closed Accounts Posts: 717 ✭✭✭Phoenix Wright


    Of course I have read the FAQ. See question 1 in the FAQs - Shane Ross will extend the period of validity of the driver licence/learner permit and further detail on this will be available in the coming days. Unless it comes today after an announcement of the extension of lockdown measures, the RSA have been holding off on a formal announcement for nearly two weeks now:-

    https://twitter.com/RSAIreland/status/1247151148789882881

    Also see here

    https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2020/0330/1127427-nct-certs-restrictions/

    - "Full details are due to be announced later this week." Yet no further details have been provided..

    As far as I can tell, it will not be possible to renew my Learner Permit unless I have a MyGovID verified account. At the moment, it is not possible to verify a MyGovID account as it requires a Public Services Card. In order to obtain a PSC you need to have a face-to-face appointment which is not possible at this moment and time:

    https://gyazo.com/c2980aa6f7783b754d7289f8ebc7a1d1

    I'm just concerned that if the measures are lifted and driving tests resume whether my Learner Permit will still be recognised. As annoying and unfair as it is, I'd rather pay the 35e for peace of mind that my test won't be delayed further when testing resumes. I have also yet to contact my insurance company on whether they will recognise the extension of driving licenses but I'm holding off until a further announcement is made and further details provided.


  • Options
    #19
    MascotDec85
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 1,924 Mod ✭✭✭✭MascotDec85


    Phoenix Wright wrote: »
    Of course I have read the FAQ. See question 1 in the FAQs - Shane Ross will extend the period of validity of the driver licence/learner permit and further detail on this will be available in the coming days. Unless it comes today after an announcement of the extension of lockdown measures, the RSA have been holding off on a formal announcement for nearly two weeks now:-

    https://twitter.com/RSAIreland/status/1247151148789882881

    Also see here

    https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2020/0330/1127427-nct-certs-restrictions/

    - "Full details are due to be announced later this week." Yet no further details have been provided..

    As far as I can tell, it will not be possible to renew my Learner Permit unless I have a MyGovID verified account. At the moment, it is not possible to verify a MyGovID account as it requires a Public Services Card. In order to obtain a PSC you need to have a face-to-face appointment which is not possible at this moment and time:

    https://gyazo.com/c2980aa6f7783b754d7289f8ebc7a1d1

    I'm just concerned that if the measures are lifted and driving tests resume whether my Learner Permit will still be recognised. As annoying and unfair as it is, I'd rather pay the 35e for peace of mind that my test won't be delayed further when testing resumes. I have also yet to contact my insurance company on whether they will recognise the extension of driving licenses but I'm holding off until a further announcement is made and further details provided.

    Contact your local TD and ask them to push it. My local TD is pretty proactive.


  • Options
    #20
    Phoenix Wright
    Closed Accounts Posts: 717 ✭✭✭Phoenix Wright


    MascotDec85 wrote: »
    Contact your local TD and ask them to push it. My local TD is pretty proactive.

    Good call, any correspondence I've had with the RSA has been met with the same generic copy and paste responses so if anything it could be worth a shot


  • Options
    #21
    Thargor
    Registered Users Posts: 17,865 ✭✭✭✭Thargor


    LorelaiG wrote: »
    They will be closed until the government restrictions are lifted.

    If you need to renew your licence you can do so by post, or online if you have a myGovID account.
    My problem is I need to convert a pass certificate into a full driving licence, dont see that mentioned anywhere. Plenty of time left on the certificate but no way to convert it from what I can see.


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  • Options
    #22
    ADowling
    Registered Users Posts: 34 ✭ADowling


    What’s the likelihood of tests operating again next week (June 29th) ? I’m in desperate need of a car and finally found one I’ve wanted at a really decent price, but I’m worried I’ll buy it and won’t get my test for ages. Mine was cancelled due to Covid so I’m hoping I’ll be allocated a date quickly when they resume, but the added pressure of passing this time round in order to avoid the backlog is making me stressed


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    #23
    SteveAdti
    Registered Users Posts: 126 ✭✭SteveAdti


    ADowling wrote: »
    What’s the likelihood of tests operating again next week (June 29th) ? I’m in desperate need of a car and finally found one I’ve wanted at a really decent price, but I’m worried I’ll buy it and won’t get my test for ages. Mine was cancelled due to Covid so I’m hoping I’ll be allocated a date quickly when they resume, but the added pressure of passing this time round in order to avoid the backlog is making me stressed

    Sorry to say that you wont be getting a car test next week. i would suggest that it might be another 5-6 weeks before any car tests are done . At that car tests will be at much reduced availability


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    #24
    ADowling
    Registered Users Posts: 34 ✭ADowling


    Yes I thought it would be a long shot that they would open next week, but they keep promising to give updates that never come. I’m hoping that phase 4 (July 20th) will see them reopen, it’s the uncertainty around it all that’s so stressful. My test was due on the first of April which was about 2 -3 weeks after they cancelled tests so I should get one fairly quickly when they are back up and running... I hope...


  • Options
    #25
    SteveAdti
    Registered Users Posts: 126 ✭✭SteveAdti


    ADowling wrote: »
    Yes I thought it would be a long shot that they would open next week, but they keep promising to give updates that never come. I’m hoping that phase 4 (July 20th) will see them reopen, it’s the uncertainty around it all that’s so stressful. My test was due on the first of April which was about 2 -3 weeks after they cancelled tests so I should get one fairly quickly when they are back up and running... I hope...

    Try being a driving instructor right now. That's uncertainty


  • Options
    #26
    MascotDec85
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 1,924 Mod ✭✭✭✭MascotDec85


    ADowling wrote: »
    Yes I thought it would be a long shot that they would open next week, but they keep promising to give updates that never come. I’m hoping that phase 4 (July 20th) will see them reopen, it’s the uncertainty around it all that’s so stressful. My test was due on the first of April which was about 2 -3 weeks after they cancelled tests so I should get one fairly quickly when they are back up and running... I hope...

    They are hoping to restart car tests within Stage 3 but it won’t be at the start of it. They’ll be much closer to Stage 4, 20th July I’d say.


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    #27
    ADowling
    Registered Users Posts: 34 ✭ADowling


    SteveAdti wrote: »
    Try being a driving instructor right now. That's uncertainty

    Yeah, I'd have more sympathy for them if they actually were working towards a solution. Every other business is making adjustments in order to get back to work, not hiding behind the 2m distance. It seems they're happy to continue being paid but not go into work.

    I'm talking about RSA driving testers btw, not driving school instructors who are planning on getting back on July 20th,


  • Options
    #28
    MascotDec85
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 1,924 Mod ✭✭✭✭MascotDec85


    ADowling wrote: »
    Yeah, I'd have more sympathy for them if they actually were working towards a solution. Every other business is making adjustments in order to get back to work, not hiding behind the 2m distance. It seems they're happy to continue being paid but not go into work.

    I'm talking about RSA driving testers btw, not driving school instructors who are planning on getting back on July 20th,

    They are working towards a resumption of car tests which should happen within Stage 3 ie before 20th July

    As for instructors, I’m planning on going back to work on Monday 29th with measures in place in accordance with the government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol


  • Options
    #29
    capefear
    Registered Users Posts: 771 ✭✭✭capefear


    MascotDec85 wrote: »
    They are working towards a resumption of car tests which should happen within Stage 3 ie before 20th July

    As for instructors, I’m planning on going back to work on Monday 29th with measures in place in accordance with the government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol

    Hi MascotDec85

    Can I ask what your going to do differently when you go back to doing lessons compared to what you did before Covid19. Sorry I probably could have phrased that better.

    Tia


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    #30
    Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime
    Registered Users Posts: 3,964 ✭✭✭Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime


    Just want to let folks know, I've a motorcycle test on Monday 29th June

    For those wondering


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    #31
    ADowling
    Registered Users Posts: 34 ✭ADowling


    Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime wrote: »
    Just want to let folks know, I've a motorcycle test on Monday 29th June

    For those wondering

    Yeah they’re starting with motorcycles, trucks and buses ! Cars won’t be until July probably. Best of luck !


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