Cork TD calls for action on ‘worrying’ lack of driving testers

A call for action has been made to the Department of Transport as more than 4,200 people were waiting to book a driving test at the Wilton test centre at the end of November.

According to figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), there were 4,207 applicants waiting to book a category B (car) driving test at the Wilton test centre at the end of last month, with an average waiting time of 14 weeks.

This average waiting time is four weeks longer than the 10-week target set by the Department of Transport earlier this year, which was due to be achieved by September.

While this figure represents a significant improvement on the average waiting time of 31.5 weeks that was seen in March, Social Democrats Cork South-Central TD Pádraig Rice said concerns remain about ongoing delays and centre staffing levels.

Progress

“I welcome the progress that has been made by the RSA and the Department of Transport. The fact that people were waiting over 31 weeks earlier this year to take a driving test in Wilton was absolutely ridiculous,” said Mr Rice.

“This is a public service that has to function, so certainly the improvements are welcome.

“However, I am concerned that despite the department sanctioning additional permanent positions for driver testers in September 2024, to bring the number of testers nationally to 200, the RSA confirmed to me that there are currently only 194 testers employed.

“While the recruitment campaign was a positive step, it is worrying that over a year later we have still not reached the target number of driver testers,” he added.

“While the numbers of people waiting are down, there are still over 4,200 people across Cork looking at over three months to secure a driving test slot.

“These people who are stuck in limbo deserve better.

“The minister needs to tell us when the RSA are going to meet the 10-week target, and what steps are being taken to get there.”

The CSO figures further showed that at the end of last month, there were a total of 6,481 applicants waiting for a category B test across the four Cork testing centres, of which 1,437 were waiting at the Mallow centre, with an average waiting time of 13 weeks; 546 were waiting at the Skibbereen centre, with an average waiting time of nine weeks; and 291 were waiting at the Mitchelstown centre, with an average waiting time of seven weeks.