I have been informed that 4-5 % of driving test slots were lost each month due to cancellations at short notice from January up to the end of July 2023. While cancellations at short notice can contribute to lengthy wait times, the broader issue faced by the service is unprecedented levels of demand, which has increased by 28% since 2021. In response to a request from the Road Safety Authority (RSA), earlier this year my Department gave sanction for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers to help address the existing backlog, bringing the total number of sanctioned driver testing posts to 200. I have been informed that the first of these driver testers will have completed their training and be deployed from the end of September, after which point service levels should begin to improve.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driving Test service. As such, the detailed information for each centre you have requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct reply on those specific issues. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
