Almost 4,000 people waiting on driving test
There are 3,945 learner drivers on waiting lists in counties Roscommon & Galway.
Almost 4,000 people in counties Roscommon and Galway are waiting for driving tests as the backlog for tests grows, according to the latest figures.
The average waiting time to take a test is now above the statutory maximum of 10 weeks, with many people waiting six months to take the test and others over eight months.
Now Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has claimed that through bad planning and mismanagement, successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael-led governments had created a system that was not fit for purpose.
“There are 3,945 learner drivers languishing on waiting lists in counties Roscommon & Galway,” claimed Deputy Kerrane.
“This is totally unacceptable. These delays cause great frustration in our community. They push up the costs of learning to drive and trap learner drivers in expensive insurance policies. For some, learning to drive now costs over €3000.
“There are not enough permanent driving instructors and many areas are without a permanent, let alone temporary test centre.
“The government has completely failed to keep pace with increasing demand. This must change,” she said.
“Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Pa Daly, is calling on government to match the increased demand for driving tests with appropriate resources. This means ending the over-reliance on temporary driving instructors and expediting the recruitment of permanent instructors.
“The unsatisfactory performance of the Road Safety Authority can’t be ignored in all of these. Therefore, we are calling for an urgent review of the mandate, resourcing and programme of work.
“Finally, the government must once and for all identify all the gaps in driving test centre locations and mandate the RSA and the OPW to fill them. I have previously flagged Ballinasloe as a suitable location.
“The deepening crisis requires the political will, ambition and resourcing to solve it,” said Deputy Kerrane.
