'Open new test centre' suggests Cork TD as waiting list up 84%

A Cork TD has called for a new driving test centre to open in Cork, as an 84% increase in overall waiting list figures between January 2023 and July 2025 has been described as “extremely worrying”.

Figures provided to The Echo by Sinn Féin Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould show, at the end of July, there were 7,661 people on driving test waiting lists across Cork — with a 409% increase recorded in the number of people on the waiting list for a car-and-trailer licence, at 270.

The data, provided to Mr Gould in response to a parliamentary question, further showed, as of July 2025, there has been a 183% increase in the number of people waiting for an articulated truck licence, at 34; a 167% increase in the number of people waiting for a regular truck licence, at 136; and a 100% increase in the number of people waiting for a bus licence, at 28.

There has additionally been an 83% increase in the number of people waiting for a standard car or light van licence, at 6,835; a 46% increase in the number of people waiting for a motorcycle of medium power licence, at 51; and a 27% increase in the number of people waiting for a standard motorcycle licence, at 188.

Mr Gould said that while there has been progress made in the categories of a small truck or large van (-41%), minibuses (-46%), and tractors (-19%), “it cannot be a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul to clear these backlogs”.

“While we are seeing some improvements in the numbers waiting for a car-licence test, the numbers for other categories continue to rise significantly,”

 said Mr Gould.

“We are hearing constantly from the Road Haulage Association that a lack of drivers is having huge impacts on their businesses.

“It is extremely worrying that in just over 18 months, the waiting list for these licences has increased by 183%. The reality is that long waiting lists will turn people off the profession as they find other employment opportunities.

“What we need to see now in Cork is the consideration to the opening of a new testing centre.

“There is already a partially operational centre in Ballincollig that could be expanded, and this would see a significant reduction in the waiting lists.

“At the same time, we need firm reassurances from the minister for transport that staff are not being taken from other testing categories and reassigned to reduce the car waiting lists.

“That won’t solve any problem, it will just shift the area the problem is in.”