Only 150 new learner drivers on Cork roads while 6,200 wait for test

There has been an increase of just 150 new learner drivers on Cork roads over a one-year period, despite more than 6,200 applicants waiting for a test at the end of last month.

According to Road Safety Authority (RSA) data, between March 2025 and March 2026, the number of new learner permit holders across the city and county increased from 42,660 to 42,810.

On a national scale, the number of new learner permit holders increased by 6,219 within this timeframe, bringing the total number of new learner permit holders across Ireland to 388,090.

President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), Ger Hyland, said these figures show that the RSA is not making “real progress on driver testing backlogs”.

He said the figures also indicate that the organisation is “out of their depth, unable to manage driver testing, and failing at road safety”.

“The 388,090 inexperienced learner drivers on our roads is a testament to the failure of the RSA and their mismanagement of our driver testing system,” 

said Mr Hyland.

“It is a mess, and not getting any better.”

At the end of May, there were 6,263 applicants waiting to take a driving test at centres across Cork, with an average wait time of 12 weeks in Mitchelstown, 11 weeks in both Wilton and Skibbereen, and nine weeks in Mallow.

As a result of ongoing delays, Mr Hyland said we are on course for a further deterioration in road death statistics this year.

“More than one in 10 drivers on Irish roads are on a learner permit,” said Mr Hyland.

“As of June 3, Garda figures show that 73 people have lost their lives on Irish roads, six more deaths than on the same day in 2025 — an already bad year for road safety.

“The levels of inexperienced learner drivers on our roads beggars belief — at a time when road deaths are climbing, and the RSA have a budget of millions to manage our driver testing system.”

Mr Hyland further highlighted the increase in fixed charge notices issued to learner permit holders in 2025, who were caught operating their vehicle without a fully licensed driver present.

The figures show there were 11,621 fixed charge notices issued in relation to this matter last year, representing a 10% increase on the number of fines issued in 2024.

“This points to an increasing number of desperate young drivers taking a chance and driving unaccompanied to get to college or work,” said Mr Hyland.

He further said that Irish roads are no longer safe for members of the IRHA, and that the organisation “no longer has confidence in the ability of the RSA to manage and reduce road deaths and serious injuries on our roads”.

“If the RSA cannot clear the backlog — then let someone else take it over and run it,” added Mr Hyland.

A spokesperson for the RSA said it "categorically rejects the allegations made by the Irish Road Haulage Association that it is not making real progress on driver testing backlogs, or that it is unable to manage the service effectively.

"These assertions do not reflect the significant and measurable progress made in recent months," they continued, adding:

"It is also important to note that Ireland’s approach to road safety is based on the Safe System Approach. The Safe System Approach is based on the principle that road safety is a shared responsibility. No single organisation can, on its own, eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads."