Vol. 490 No. 5
46 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the average waiting time for a driving test; the area with the longest waiting period; the average waiting period in this area; the total number of persons on waiting lists nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10544/98]
69 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to decrease the waiting time for driving tests, particularly with a view to reducing the number of persons driving on provisional licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10503/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 69 together.
The average waiting period nationally for a driving test is 28 weeks, although applicants requiring an early test for urgent reasons such as employment are generally tested within ten weeks or less. The longest waiting time, at 34 weeks, obtains at the Finglas test centre. There are currently some 66,000 applications for driving tests on hand nationally; 12,003 of these applicants have been given test appointments.
My Department is taking steps to improve the present unsatisfactory service for driving test applications. In addition to Saturday testing, the permanent driver testing corps is being increased and the negotiation of productivity measures is being advanced, which will increase testing out-put and permit the engagement of further testers on a contract basis.
