Recruitment for additional driving testers is underway in Ireland as concerns mount over the lengthy waiting times for driving tests, particularly in rural areas. Cork TD Michael Collins highlighted the issue on Thursday, March 20, 2025, reporting that people in Cork are facing waits of up to ten months for their driving tests, leaving many young people stranded without transportation options.
In a statement in the Dáil, Collins expressed the frustration of his constituents, stating, "These are mostly young people and they are waiting 10 months or more for a driving test. Many of these have secured job offers but are unable to accept them due to the lack of transportation in rural Ireland." He pointed out that alternatives, such as a frequent bus service or readily available taxis, are less accessible than in urban areas.
"Our young people are effectively stranded without access to a car and their parents’ work schedules often do not allow for logistical support," Collins added, emphasizing the pressing need for immediate action from the government to alleviate this backlog.
In response to Collins’s concerns, Tánaiste Simon Harris acknowledged the situation's severity, asserting, "There is no doubt that this is a serious issue." He explained that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) had been providing increased test slots compared to previous years. However, he admitted, "The waiting time is meant to be 10 weeks, but in some parts of the country, I hear that it can be up to 22 weeks, on average, for many people." This circle of delays can create unnecessary strain on individuals who require driving tests to communicate their job readiness and secure employment.
Harris reassured Collins that the Department of Transport has sanctioned an additional 70 permanent driver testing posts, thus doubling the total from 100 to 200 since 2022. He noted significantly increased recruitment efforts, saying, "As a quid pro quo, the RSA has been asked to put in place a plan to restore waiting times to 10 weeks. I am told that recruitment is underway for those extra testers. I am told that 300 applicants have been brought through to the final assessment stage." This response has brought a glimmer of hope to many awaiting their tests.
Collins also proposed a novel solution: converting driving instructors into testers temporarily. He urged the government to explore this option, questioning whether it could effectively mitigate the backlog while a more long-term strategy is developed. The suggestion underlines the dire circumstances faced by many who are unable to find viable transportation in rural areas.
As the conversation around driving tests continues in the Dáil, the push for improved access to vital services is more pressing than ever. Young people in rural communities, who rely on private transportation due to insufficient public transport, especially in less populated areas, deserve to have their driving tests scheduled in a timely manner. Harris's assurance on recruitment efforts is a vital step in addressing this issue.
Looking ahead, both Collins and Harris seem committed to finding effective solutions to end the delays. The impact on young job seekers in Cork and similar regions is profound, as the lack of accessible transportation can hinder not only their employment opportunities but also their independence and mobility.
As the RSA steps up its efforts to recruit additional driving testers, families across rural areas remain hopeful that these measures will lead to an expedited process. The community is eagerly watching and waiting, trusting that these actions will alleviate pressure and restore timely access to driving tests once again.
Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will depend on prompt implementation and ongoing support from the government. With many lives at stake, it is critical for the motorists awaiting their driving tests to see effective changes in the coming months.
