Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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863. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average waiting period for driver tests in each of the driver test centres; his plans to reduce the average waiting period for these tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12700/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The average driving test waiting times for each test centre are available on the Road Safety Authority (RSA) website atwww.rsa.ie and are updated weekly.

The RSA is currently undertaking initiatives in order to increase capacity to deliver extra driving tests. These initiatives include the recruitment of additional driver testers and the delivery of 120 extra overtime tests per driver tester who participates. Other measures include initiatives to reduce the number of applicant no-shows at the driving test, and to reduce the number of non-conducted driving tests. The Authority plans to introduce a new test booking system that will give test applicants much more control over their booking and appointment choice. 

While I accept that current waiting times remain too high, I am assured that the measures the RSA has put in place will have the desired effect of reducing waiting times to the public.