Driving test backlog ‘needs clearing’

SOUTH Sligo councillor Dara Mulvey has called on the new Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, to put a plan in place to address the significant backlog in people awaiting a driving test.

Cllr Mulvey says that up to 680 people are waiting to sit their test in Sligo, and is requesting that the Minister seek to tackle the problem.

“While it is welcome that driving tests in some locations have begun, I am calling on the new Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan to put a plan in place to tackle the backlog that has grown since the service was suspended on the 13th March last and to assist the excellent staff at the Sligo driving test centre,” Cllr Mulvey said.

“In particular for many young people living in rural parts of Sligo who are wishing to obtain a full licence which can be a lifeline for them to gain independence for work or leisure through a full driving licence,” he added.

Mr Mulvey, who is the current Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, also said the pass rate in Sligo, which stands at 62pc, is down to the great work of driving instructors in the county.

Cllr Mulvey also says he has been contacted by driving instructors who have serious concerns about the roadmap for a return to work.

In correspondence, the instructors said they feel that they are in an ‘extremely vulnerable position’ as they are in close proximity with a student in a car for an hour at a time.

They also say there has been a lack of consultation with driving schools about the roadmap being followed to reopen society.