North Cork driving test centre to open before the end of the year 

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has said a new driving test centre is due to open in Mitchelstown in the coming weeks.

The RSA has confirmed that the lease agreement for the Mitchelstown centre has been signed, and that testing is expected to commence before the end of 2025.

The confirmation came following a parliamentary question from Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea.

The facility will be situated at the Mitcheltown Community Enterprise Centre, at the Coolnanave Industrial Estate on the Dublin Rd.

Relieve pressure

Welcoming the development, Mr O’Shea said the new test centre will relieve pressure on the existing one, at the Cork Racecourse in Mallow, which has one of the longest waiting lists for a driving tests in the region.

“This is a very positive development for local people, particularly those from Mitchelstown, Fermoy, and surrounding areas, who previously had to travel to Mallow or other test centres for their driving tests,” said Mr O’Shea.

“At the end of September 2025, there were 1,781 people waiting for an invitation for a driving test in Mallow, with a further 377 people already scheduled for tests.

“The estimated waiting time for a new applicant was around 14 weeks.

“This new test centre in Mitchelstown will play a vital role in reducing those delays and improving access for learner drivers across North Cork,” he added.

“This is a practical, sensible step that will benefit hundreds of local residents each year and support road safety by ensuring more timely access to testing services.”

It is hoped the new Mitchelstown facility will also help relieve some of the pressure on the other two Cork test centres, which are located in Wilton and Skibbereen, respectively.