Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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190. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to alleviate the current long waiting lists for applicants who apply for a driving test; the status or success of the online portal service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2640/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test.

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.

Regarding the online portal service, I understand that the current MyRoadSafety portal was introduced in December 2020 as a response to the COVID 19 pandemic in order to provide improved service for customers. I am informed that in 2022, 96% of the driving test applications were made via the portal.