The driver theory test has also been suspended until December.
The RSA has urged motorists to schedule their driving tests unless they are essential workers “involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets”.
The RSA does not, however, hold details that would identify the employment status of motorists who have been given a test date to sit a driving test over the next six weeks, and therefore will not be cancelling any existing scheduled driving tests.
The RSA said: “It is a matter for each individual with a driving test date to satisfy themselves that they are involved in delivering an essential service or essential retail outlet.”
It has said that non-essential workers should cancel their tests, and can do so here.
In line with the new Level 5 restrictions, the theory test will be suspended from 22 October until 1 December.
All impacted appointments will be rescheduled to the next available appointment date and candidates will be notified via e-mail.
Speaking about this news, Deirdre McCarthy from coverinaclick.ie said that this will have a knock-on effect on the pockets of hopeful drivers.
She said: “These drivers are likely to miss out on savings of anywhere between €300 – €600 at renewal time.
“Securing your full licence is a sure fire way to push down your premiums – and it’s a sad reality that many of the drivers on this wait list of 85,000, which is growing weekly, will now have to wait until the latter half of 2021 to sit their test.
“The suspension of the driver theory test will mean that young drivers, who already pay significantly more than other drivers for their insurance, will have to press pause on their hopes of becoming fully licenced.
“This has major implications for them also, not least on their ability to put a dent in the premiums they are charged.”
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