RSA 'action plan' shows progress on driving test wait times
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) said it has witnessed early progress under an action plan it implemented to reduce driving test wait periods.
The RSA announced the comprehensive action plan - which had a target of slashing wait times by over half - last month.
In early April, average wait times were 27 weeks. As of May 31, under the new action plan, these wait times have been reduced to 20.6 weeks.
The RSA is targeting a 10-week wait period by September.
RSA chief operations officer, Brendan Walsh said: "While there is still a considerable journey ahead to get to the 10 weeks' SLA (service level agreement) by September, we are encouraged by the early indicators of progress."
Walsh added that over 700 tests were scheduled over the June Bank Holiday in a bid to stay on target.
According to the RSA, there is currently a backlog of 100,000 applicants waiting to be tested.
The RSA has implemented several measures to facilitate extra testing:
- Accelerated training of new testers through the use of additional training facilities;
- Prolonged testing hours, which include overtime during weekdays, as well as Saturdays and bank holidays - with tests running from 07:25a.m to 7:00p.m;
- Prioritising areas of greatest demand when issuing invitations to test in order to create a more efficient slot allocation system.
On top of this, additional driving test centres will open in areas of high demand, bringing the national total to 60 centres.
The number of driving tests conducted annually has steadily increased year-on-year, reflecting growing demand - from 157,183 in 2021, rising to 180,696 in 2022, 212,525 in 2023, and reaching 253,850 last year.
This 2024 figure represents a 61% increase in the number of tests conducted since 2021.
Chief executive officer at the RSA, Sam Waide said: “We’re asking customers to support the said: “We’re asking customers to support the effort by cancelling early if they cannot attend, so that appointments can be offered to others.
"Also, we’re urging customers to ensure they prepared for their test, as over 4,000 tests so far this year couldn’t be conducted for reasons such as vehicles without a valid NCT, tax, insurance or not deemed roadworthy.
"We know how frustrating and disruptive these delays are - especially for people who need a licence for work, college, or caring responsibilities. I want to offer a sincere apology to everyone who has been affected."
