There are almost 26,000 learner drivers waiting for their driving test, but no date has been set for the reopening of the Driver Testing Service.
That 26,000 is made up of over 14,500 driving tests, which were cancelled in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as nearly 11,500 learners who have applied for tests since March as applications have been open since then.
The Department of Transport said the resumption of driver testing raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the National Return to Work Safety Protocol.
It particular there are issues of compliance with social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20