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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 1

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

John Bruton

Question:

28 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to address the driving test backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27657/03]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

46 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the number of applicants awaiting driving tests at the latest date for which figures are available; the current waiting time in each test centre; the progress made to date in discussions with the Department of Finance on a package of measures to address the backlog of driving test applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27833/03]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

86 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the reason there are such long delays confronting applicants for driving tests; and his views on whether this situation contributes to road safety. [27652/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 46 and 86 together.

The total number of applicants awaiting a driving test and the waiting times at each test centre are set out in the following table.

Numbers waiting and average weeks waiting for a driving test at 28 October 2003

Region/Centre

WeeksWaiting

Applicationson Hand

North Leinster

Finglas

21

8,932

Dundalk

22

3,304

Mullingar

20

1,873

Navan

27

4,826

Raheny

23

7,490

South Leinster

Churchtown/Rathgar

23

11,650

Gorey

22

2,091

Naas

24

6,667

Tullamore

21

1,716

Wicklow

22

2,561

Tallaght

25

9,213

West

Athlone

21

1,005

Birr

22

1,128

Castlebar

26

2,402

Clifden

24

404

Ennis

19

990

Galway

18

2,841

Loughrea

20

976

Roscommon

18

1,024

Tuam

22

1,212

North West

Ballina

24

1,126

Buncrana

21

472

Carrick-on-Shannon

23

1,282

Cavan

24

1,986

Donegal

22

1,038

Letterkenny

18

1,770

Region/Centre

WeeksWaiting

Applicationson Hand

Longford

25

1,137

Monaghan

20

1,421

Sligo

20

1,483

South East

Carlow

25

2,500

Clonmel

24

2,209

Dungarvan

21

1,711

Kilkenny

25

2,569

Nenagh

33

814

Portlaoise

27

1,674

Thurles

31

1,329

Tipperary

23

1,080

Waterford

26

3,758

Wexford

24

2,528

South West

Cork

21

7,171

Killarney

25

1,994

Kilrush

23

477

Limerick

25

3,746

Mallow

21

2,134

Newcastle West

24

1,768

Shannon

20

935

Skibbereen

25

1,982

Tralee

24

2,256

Region Totals

North Leinster

23

26,425

South Leinster

23

33,898

West

21

11,982

North West

22

11,715

South East

26

20,172

South West

23

22,463

Overall Total

23

126,655

Over the past year there has been a 50% increase in the applications for driving tests. In order to deal with the increased level of demand my Department has recruited eight retired driver testers who have commenced testing with effect from 13 October. In addition a bonus scheme for driver testers was introduced in June 2003. Driver testers continue to deliver additional tests by working overtime on Saturdays and at lunchtime.
The Government recently approved the Heads of a Bill to provide for the establishment of a driver testing and standards authority. This will provide further opportunities to improve the driver testing service and to address fluctuations in demand in a more flexible manner.
The current provisions relating to driver licensing and testing contribute to the formation of drivers. Further policy initiatives in the area of driver licensing and testing will form part of the new road safety strategy. In addition, I will also closely monitor relevant developments at EU level in this area.
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