Michael Collins
Question:102. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) receives a date for their driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49515/23]
View answerTuesday, 14 November 2023
Questions (102)
Written answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. Consequently, information on applicants is held by the RSA and neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases. I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response on the specific case raised. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
On the broader issue of delays, the service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which has increased by 28% compared with 2021 figures. The Authority is currently providing an average of 4,000 tests per week, up 25% on this time last year.In light of ongoing high levels of demand, earlier this year the Authority reviewed the capacity of the service and, following a request for additional resources, my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200. This recruitment is underway and I have been advised that the first tranche of new recruits were deployed in September. It is expected that before the end of the year there will be a net increase of 42 driver testers and they will be allocated across the driver testing service with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests. The RSA estimate that the agreed service level of average wait times of 10 weeks will resume in mid-2024.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51