Concern over driving test delays
The Rural Independent Group wants the government to urgently address the deep concern over alarmingly long waiting times for driving tests across various regions in Ireland. Aspiring motorists are grappling with delays of up to 51 weeks, causing significant distress for thousands of learners.
The leader of the Rural Independent Group, Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath has stated: “The severe delays in driver testing services across Ireland are not receiving the required attention from the government. New data from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) reveals that waiting times for driving tests have reached an all-time high, with an average waiting period of 30.4 weeks. However, in some regions, the waiting period is as long as 51 weeks, a shocking fact that is deeply concerning.
“As the delays continue to impact the lives of countless learner drivers, we are calling on the government to take immediate and substantial action to reduce the waiting lists for driving tests. It is completely unacceptable that a learner driver seeking to take their tests in Tralee, Co Kerry, are subject to 45-week waiting periods, while those booking tests in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, face wait times of 28 weeks.
“The prolonged waiting times for driving tests in Ireland have reached an absolutely unacceptable level. Learner drivers have been left in the lurch, with many facing almost a year-long wait to take their tests.
“This situation is detrimental to their livelihoods, as they often require driving licenses for essential tasks such as commuting to work or attending college.
“The impact is particularly harsh in rural areas where public transport options are limited,” said Deputy McGrath.
“The RSA's official target for driving test waiting times, as agreed upon in a service level agreement, is ten weeks. However, the current situation sees learners waiting for an average of 30 weeks.
"It's essential that the government fulfils its promises and recruits additional driver testers promptly. This is a vital step towards resolving the driving test crisis. Learner drivers and their families have been let down by the government's unfulfilled commitments, and we need to see action now."