An Armagh MLA has queried the possibility of learner drivers being allowed to sit their theory tests online.
Sinn Fein’s Cathal Boylan says a move online would help deal with the growing backlog.
However, technological limits on ensuring test integrity is proving a hurdle too high for the Department for Infrastructure at present.
Mr Boylan, who has written to the Infrastructure Minister, said: “With driving theory tests being suspended to April 1, over 6,200 tests are being rescheduled while the next available appointment for a test at centres across the north is mid July.
“The Minister has stated that an online theory test is not currently possible because of the technological limits of ensuring test integrity.
“However, in the 26 counties, remote online testing has been made available for certain categories of drivers.
“This year has been difficult for learner drivers and we need to be using all means at our disposal to get them better access to such a basic service as a driving test.
“I have again written to the Minister on this issue, asking her to reflect on the souths remote testing and look at adopting such an approach here.”
