Written answers

Thursday, 19 January 2023

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Driver Test

Photo of Niamh SmythNiamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

91. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans and strategies being introduced to reduce waiting times in Cavan’s driving test centre, which are currently running into June 2023, which is a full five-month wait to apply for a test (details supplied). [2256/23]

Photo of Niamh SmythNiamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

167. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans and strategies being introduced to reduce waiting times in the Cavan driving test centre, which are currently running into 9 April 2023, which is five months to apply for a test (details supplied). [62391/22]

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 167 together.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test and deals with all application and scheduling matters. I have therefore referred the specific part of the Question related to the Cavan driver testing centre to the Authority for reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

On the broader issue of driver testing delays, I am informed that the current increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include: an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their actual test.

I would like to assure the Deputy that the RSA is making every effort to address this issue. The Authority conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver testing service in 2022, following which my Department sanctioned an increase in the permanent driver tester headcount from 100 to 130.

I am informed that the RSA is currently deploying a number of successful candidates across the driver testing service, with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists. It is expected that the remainder will be deployed by Q1 2023.

The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and the Authority will report back to my Department on the steps being taken to continue to reduce waiting times. If sanction requests for further increases in driver testers are received, my Department will evaluate them promptly.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.