Driver Test

Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Questions (210)

Joe Carey

Question:

210. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if arrangements can be put in place for driving test applicants who are waiting longer than the pre-Covid target waiting time of ten weeks to be accommodated at another RSA driving test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63988/22]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

I refer to Parliamentary Question 63988/22 regarding if arrangements can be put in place for driving test applicants who are waiting longer than the pre-Covid target waiting time of ten weeks to be accommodated at another RSA driving test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Our recent recruitment campaign has been completed and we have increased our number of permanent testers from 100 to 130. These Testers will be deployed nationally in line with demand with effect from January 2023. This will reduce waiting times nationally over the coming months.

In the interest of fairness, we are offering appointments to customers based on their place in the waiting list queue – this will take account of their application date and having met all other test requirements. Therefore, we will not be fast-tracking customers outside of their place in the queue.

An invitation to book an appointment will issue to them when their position in the queue is reached.

There is a very high demand at some Driving Test Centres. A customer may change their chosen driving test centre if they wish to a centre with a shorter wait time. It is important to note that the customer should familiarise themselves with the area prior to booking a test at a different location.

Customers can also check the wait times for all Test Centres via the estimator tool. If they decide to change their test centre, they will not lose their place in the queue, but their place in the queue will depend on where their application sits relevant to all others waiting at that centre.

If a customer is a Critical Frontline Worker employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services and need to drive in the course of their duties they may submit a request using this form. If that request is approved, then the customer will be prioritised on the waiting list.

For further information on Road Safety please visit our website at https://www.rsa.ie