Vol. 530 No. 6
286 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the current waiting time for driving tests at each test centre; the total number of people currently awaiting a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4486/01]
At end January 2001, 72,125 persons were on the waiting list for a driving test. Of these, some 27,990 have been given test appointments and some 16,560 have indicated that they are not currently available to be tested. The average waiting time for a test is 20 weeks. However, applicants who require a test for urgent reasons are being given earlier appointments; about 44% of applicants are tested within 15 weeks.
Details of waiting times at each test centre are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
