Written answers

Thursday, 9 March 2023

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Driver Test

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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177. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of driving testers in each county, in each of the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form, and if he has plans to recruit additional driving test staff. [12005/23]

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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178. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of people waiting for a driving test in each county in each month since February 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on any change in the waiting times for driving tests. [12006/23]

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test service, including test applications and scheduling matters. I have therefore referred these questions to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

I believe the RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process, such that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first.

On the broader issue of waiting times, the driver testing service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand which is 28% up on 2021 figures and 27% up on 2018 pre Covid-19 pandemic figures.

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, increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test and an increase in Approved Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.

The RSA 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. Deployment of these successful candidates is almost complete and has been focused on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists.

Given the continued backlog, demand and capacity of the driver testing service was further reviewed in late 2022 and early 2023. My Department is actively engaged with the RSA in evaluating a subsequent request for additional resources at the present time.

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