Driving test wait times drop down to 16 weeks

Eva Osborne

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has said there has been strong progress in reducing waiting times for driving test invitations.

As of this week, the average national waiting time to receive a driving test invitation has fallen to 16.3 weeks.

The RSA said it remains firmly on track to achieve its goal of reducing average waiting times to 10 weeks by September 2025.

Commenting on on the update, chief operations officer of the RSA, Brendan Walsh, said: "The significant reduction in waiting times so far demonstrates our commitment to delivering a more efficient, accessible testing system for all learner drivers.

"We know how important this milestone is, and we are determined to continue this momentum through the summer and into autumn."

The RSA is encouraging learner drivers to prepare thoroughly, arrive at their test fully ready, and embrace the responsibility that comes with earning a full licence.

According to Mr Walsh, this will not only increase the success rate but also contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the national testing system.

“So far in 2025, the national pass rate stands at 53 per cent, meaning that almost half of learner drivers must reapply to sit their test again. While we know learners have waited patiently for a test, it is crucial to see the test as a critical step towards becoming a safe, confident, and independent driver.”

Ahead of their test, learners are encouraged to practice regularly with their sponsor, building confidence in a variety of road and traffic conditions and to familiarise themselves with test requirements as set out in the RSA checklist including vehicle roadworthiness, tax, insurance and NCT requirements.

Some of the most common reasons that people fail their test are:

• Inadequate observation on moving off, at junctions, roundabouts, changing lanes;
• Failure to anticipate the actions of other drivers;
• Incorrect road position;
• Inadequate progress at junctions, roundabouts, on straight, overtaking;
• Incorrect use of mirrors and signals.