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Driving Tests.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2006

Wednesday, 8 March 2006

Ceisteanna (158)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

155 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the pass rate, waiting time, number of applicants, number of testers in each driving test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9702/06]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table. The table shows the number of driver testers assigned to headquarter centres within each region. Driver testers are in turn assigned from headquarter centres to meet the demand in other test centres. In addition, a chief tester, and ten supervisory testers are employed by my Department.

I have brought forward firm proposals to reduce the backlog for driving tests. This includes a bonus scheme for existing testers and temporary outsourcing of a set number of tests for a set period. Our proposal will see the average waiting time for tests reduced to six weeks. The matter is currently being considered at arbitration with a final binding decision expected shortly.

If the backlog question is resolved, we will get an improved customer service for test applicants, improved road safety and reduced insurance premiums, particularly for younger drivers. Furthermore, it will enable me to bring forward further licensing reforms.

Driving Test Applicants on waiting list at 27/02/06 — Pass rate and Driver Testers at 31 December 2005

Centre

Applications on hands

Average Weeks Waiting

Pass Rate %

No. of Testers

North Leinster

Finglas

11,510

29

45.9

17

Dundalk

3,795

33

51.1

Mullingar

1,814

21

58.7

Navan

5,010

41

54.3

1

Raheny

7,887

37

52.9

8

South Leinster

Churchtown /Rathgar

11,999

33

48.4

16

Gorey

2,413

46

48.5

Naas

6,330

34

51.7

2

Tullamore

1,999

40

52.1

Wicklow

2,782

41

45.5

Tallaght

9,973

35

47.1

10

West

Athlone

1,211

26

58.7

2

Birr

1,350

33

65.2

Castlebar

2,109

25

62.4

3.5

Clifden

334

22

63.3

Ennis

1,427

27

64.9

3

Galway

3,608

37

63.0

6

Loughrea

1,143

28

63.1

2

Roscommon

1,123

29

61.3

Tuam

1,222

32

65.5

North West

Ballina

1,065

29

56.6

Buncrana

704

21

65.2

Ck-on-Shannon

935

26

59.7

2

Cavan

1,685

28

45.9

2

Donegal

1,242

41

57.5

Letterkenny

2,291

34

59.4

3

Longford

970

26

55.6

Monaghan

1,157

23

49.9

1

Sligo

1,742

25

60.3

2

South East

Carlow

2,387

37

46.2

1

Clonmel

1,963

40

51.1

2

Dungarvan

1,425

47

59.4

Kilkenny

1,669

25

51.6

2

Nenagh

776

34

50.4

Portlaoise

1,847

25

54.3

1

Thurles

1,026

41

53.3

Tipperary

1,108

43

43.4

Waterford

2,778

31

53.8

4

Wexford

2,209

29

52.7

4

South West

Cork

7,519

29

53.6

12.5

Killarney

1,823

35

59.0

2

Kilrush

533

33

60.9

Limerick

4,246

44

60.3

4

Mallow

2,173

36

57.6

Newcastle West

1,724

30

60.2

Shannon

1,035

44

68.2

Skibbereen

1,872

37

59.8

Tralee

1,567

21

55.8

2

Total

130,508

32.06

53.6

115

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