Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

682 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of additional driving testers recruited since the end of June 2000; the amount of that number who are retired testers; the number of driving tests that are projected for completion by the end of 2000; if this will exceed the earlier estimate of 200,000; and if he will estimate the average waiting time for a driving test at the end of 2000. [24464/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy):

Eight driver testers, including two retired testers, have been recruited since the end of June 2000. Approximately 196,000 standard driving test periods should be scheduled within the period January to December 2000. It is estimated that the average waiting period for a driving test will be about 22 weeks by the end of this year.