Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
236. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the measures he intends taking to address the long delays in access to driving tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1292/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test. This includes the operation of the test, driving test applications and all scheduling matters. I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
I believe the RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process. I understand that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first.
Urgent tests are available to applicants who are employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services where those candidate would need to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work).
Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs.
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.
