Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)

Looking at the whole problem, it is evident the national average waiting time for a driving test is 27 weeks. Waiting times in Raheny test centre in my constituency are up from 15 weeks in April last year to 33 weeks in April this year. That means if you book a test now, you may not get it until December or January. In Killester test centre, waiting times are up from 17 weeks in April 2024 to 25 weeks in April 2025. That could mean waiting until October. This has a huge impact on young people in particular as they are the cohort most often looking to become qualified drivers. For many young people, learning to drive marks a significant milestone in their transition to adulthood. It empowers them to take control over their own mobility, no longer relying on parents or guardians. A driver's licence enables access to everyday activities like work, sports, volunteering, education and healthcare without having to rely on others. It allows young people to take some of the burden from their parents or guardians by driving younger siblings to school, sports activities, shopping, medical appointments, etc. For families dealing with illness or disability, having a young driver in the home can be life-changing, providing flexibility, safety and timely support.

Many jobs require a driver's licence as a condition of employment, especially in trades, construction, healthcare and delivery services. A large number of apprenticeships programmes require learners to have at least a learner permit. Workers in hospitality, retail, care and emergency services often start or finish outside public transport hours; therefore, a licence is essential to employability. Some education courses require a driver's licence, like paramedic studies in the University of Limerick. A constituent of mine has been in touch to seek help for her son, who wished to apply for this course as he aspires to become a paramedic. However, the University of Limerick has a strict requirement that students must hold a full driver's licence to secure a place in the programme in January. The closest date was in June.

We require a learner driver to be accompanied by a qualified driver. There must be an accompanying quid pro quo of an efficient driving test system, allowing people to have their test done expeditiously. Will the Minister of State look at employing, on a temporary basis, driving instructors from the commercial schools?

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