Almost 6,000 people waiting for driving tests in Cork

People’s employment is at risk due to long waits for driving tests, a TD has said, as nearly 6,000 people were waiting for a driving test in Cork.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) confirmed to Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, that there were 5,923 drivers waiting for a driving test in Cork as of the end March 2026.

This includes 3,315 people in Sarsfield Road, 1,223 in Mallow, 514 in Skibbereen, 437 in Mitchelstown and 434 in Ballincollig.

The figures mark just a slight decrease from the 6,481 total in November 2025, the date by which government promised new testers would be on stream and wait times would reduce considerably.

Mr Ó Laoghaire said that the figures were still far too high: “This is completely unacceptable. This problem is particularly bad in Cork, and it is simply not good enough.

“To have 5,923 drivers languishing on waiting lists in Cork is shocking, these are people who are eligible to sit their test, who need their driving license to get to work and drop kids to school.

“These are young people who look forward to passing their test and gaining some independence and they are waiting and waiting to be issued with a test date, unclear as to when a slot will become available.” 

He continued: “I have been contacted by constituents whose employment is at risk due to being unable to transport themselves to and from their place of work and it is a devasting blow for learner drivers who are trying to plan their work and family life.” 

Public transport is not always an option, particularly for night workers or people who are living or working in more remote areas, he said, adding, “in Cork, as we unfortunately see too often, public transport cannot always be relied upon”.

He called for the Minister and the Department of Transport to intervene, saying that applications for tests have risen steadily over the last number of years, and that the long waits highlight a need for better workforce planning.

“Failing to plan and prepare has been a consistent theme for this Government - with the driver testing system being the latest hallmark of this. This can’t be pushed down the agenda any longer.”