Vol. 471 No. 5
48 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a delay of up to 19 weeks for people who are waiting for driving tests in spite of assurances given by him in November 1995, that matters would improve with the appointment of seven new driver testers; and if he will have the problem addressed immediately. [19685/96]
There was an unprecedented and unexpected increase in the level of applications for driving tests in the first half of 1996 — the total was up by some 16,000, or about 27 per cent, on the corresponding figure in 1995. As a result of this increase, which has now tapered off, waiting times for driving test appointments have increased this year and the improved level of service which had been anticipated has not been achieved.
In order to deal with the backlog of applications, testing is now being carried out on Saturdays. Other measures, including the possibility of recruiting some additional testers on a temporary contract basis, are under active consideration.
Applicants who indicate a need for an early test for reasons of employment or travel are continuing to be accommodated as far as possible, about one quarter of these are tested within five weeks of applying and none have to wait more than nine weeks.
