Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
190. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who are currently awaiting a date to sit their driving test, broken down by test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63869/22]
View answer204. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the waiting times associated with each RSA driving testing centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63982/22]
View answer209. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who are currently awaiting a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63987/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 190, 204 and 209 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test and deals with all application and scheduling matters. Therefore I have referred the relevant parts of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
On the broader issue of driver testing delays, I am informed that the current increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include: an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their actual test.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the RSA is making every effort to address this issue. The Authority conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver testing service in 2022, following which my Department sanctioned an increase in the permanent driver tester headcount from 100 to 130.
I am informed that the RSA is currently deploying a number of successful candidates across the driver testing service, with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists. It is expected that the remainder will be deployed by Q1 2023.
The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and the Authority will report back to my Department on the steps being taken to continue to reduce waiting times. If sanction requests for further increases in driver testers are received, my Department will evaluate them promptly.
