Michael Finucane
Question:183 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the current waiting time for driver testing for private cars and commercial vehicles at Newcastle West, County Limerick. [19305/97]
Written Answers. - Driving Tests.
David Stanton
Question:197 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the current lists of people waiting to do their driving tests at the various individual driving test centres throughout the country will be cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19593/97]
David Stanton
Question:199 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of people employed to carry out driving tests throughout the country at the various individual centres; the plans, if any, he has to employ more people to carry out these tests in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19595/97]
: I propose to take Questions Nos. 183, 197 and 199 together.
The average waiting period for driving tests in Newcastle West and more generally throughout the country is 25 weeks. However applicants in need of an early test for urgent reasons, such as employment, are normally accommodated within six to ten weeks. Applicants for tests in trucks and buses are normally tested within six to eight weeks.
The driver testing corps currently comprises 68 driver testers, six supervisory driver testers and a chief tester. With the aim of reducing waiting times, Saturday testing is being conducted and, in addition, a package of productivity measures is being negotiated which will also provide for the engagement of a number of testers on short-term contracts.