83,000 ON WAITING LIST TO TAKE DRIVING TEST
THE Transport Minister has been urged to recruit more driving examiners to deal with a massive backlog.
Almost 83,000 people are on the waiting list with some learners facing a delay of up to six months before they can take their test.
Independent Senator Victor Boyhan called on Shane Ross to urgently recruit more examiners.
He said: “Many young people and families are now preparing for the new third-level term and getting back to work routines.
“Young drivers need to be facilitated to get their full licence to support their mobility. With high rents, many young people are now commuting long distances to college or work – and they need to be able to drive independently.”
There are just 98 driving testers working nationwide. Ten have retired Learner sits the test
this year with two more to follow in the coming months.
Four new examiners have been hired since June and they will be assigned to centres in Navan, Wicklow, Waterford and Wexford following a seven-week training programme. The Road Safety Authority said it is recruiting a “significant number” of additional testers but could not confirm exact figures.
Figures show drivers in Skibbereen, Co Cork, face the longest wait to sit their tests at 26 weeks. The RSA’S target is to achieve an average of 10 weeks.
Senator Boyhan also questioned the disparity in pass rates across the country.
He said: “During one week in August in Gorey 42 people failed the test while just 20 passed, giving an almost 70% failure rate.
“Meanwhile in Donegal, almost 80% of applicants passed.”