AQW 9644/17-22 Written question to the Minister for Infrastructure
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether, in the event of a shortage of driving test instructors, DVA will prioritise the resumption of Approved Driving Instructor testing.
Asked by Andrew Muir MLA on 3 November 2020
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 3 November 2020
- Answer due by
- 18 November 2020
- Answered
- 10 November 20207 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Infrastructure
- Priority question
- No
Answer
There are currently around 1,000 Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and approximately 50 Potential Driving Instructors (PDIs), active on the Register. 8 PDIs, who have obtained their Part 1, are waiting on their Part 2 and Part 3 tests.
The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) conducts approximately 47,000 Category B (private car) practical driving tests per annum. The ratio of driving test to ADI is 47 per annum, which does not suggest there is a shortage of driving instructors.
The DVA is considering the safe resumption of all driver testing services, including the ADI Part 2 and Part 3 qualifying tests, and will directly contact PDIs with details of when these tests will be reinstated and how they can book a test.