Driving test wait times 'well ahead' of mid-August target, RSA say

Ellen O'Donoghue

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has announced “significant” progress in reducing national driving test waiting times.

The organisation said it has surpassed its own mid-August target and is moving closer to meeting its Service Level Agreement (SLA) goal.

As of August 14th, 2025, the average national waiting time for a driving test invitation has dropped to 13.5 weeks, which the RSA described as “well ahead” of its target of 16 weeks for this stage.

Two weeks ago, the waiting time was 14.1 weeks, and at the end of April, the waiting time peaked, with a 27-week wait.

The RSA said the progress follows the implementation of its Driving Test Action Plan, launched in May in response to “an unprecedented surge in demand.”

The plan set out a path to bring the average waiting time down to the SLA target of 10 weeks by September.

Measures the authority introduced include a recruitment drive to increase testing capacity, enhanced scheduling to maximise available slots, and the expansion of testing resources nationwide.

Brendan Walsh, chief operating officer of the RSA, said that the results were a “clear sign” of the action plan working.

“We’ve made significant strides in just a few months, thanks to the dedication of our staff and the support of the Department of Transport,” he said.

The RSA reminded applicants that they can help improve access to driving tests for others by cancelling in advance if they cannot attend.

To ensure the best chance of success, candidates have been advised to read all test preparation materials in advance, attend the correct test centre, and be fully prepared and arrive early.