Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 4

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

Jack Wall

Question:

193 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the number of applicants for driving licences in each of the past five years; the number seeking driving tests; if there is a backlog in regard to such tests; if so, his plans to eliminate the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20791/02]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

Details of the estimated number of provisional licences and driving licences, including renewals, issued by licensing authorities in each of the years 1997 to 2001 are set out in the following table. The estimates are based on figures received from licensing authorities.

Year	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001
Number of provisional licences, including renewals, issued.	244,978	269,132	282,565	296,042	253,079
Number of driving licences, including renewals, issued.	145,565	135,707	165,924	368,183	384,021

The number of applications for driving tests at 31 December in each of the years from 1997 are set out in the following table:

Year	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	4/11/2002
Number of applications for driving tests received	118,144	146,506	153,389	166,908	181,370	156,661

As of 4 November 2002 there are 55,453 applicants awaiting a driving test; of these 20,262 have been scheduled for a test, 9,867 are currently not available for testing and 25,324 applicants are awaiting a test appointment. The customer service target of a national average waiting time of ten weeks has been met.