The Road Safety Authority has achieved “significant” progress in reducing driving test waiting times, with the national average dropping to 13.5 weeks as of August 14th – well ahead of its mid-August target of 16 weeks.
The improvement represents a dramatic turnaround from the peak waiting time of 27 weeks recorded at the end of April, when unprecedented demand created a severe backlog. Just two weeks ago, the average wait stood at 14.1 weeks, demonstrating the accelerating pace of improvement.
The RSA launched its Driving Test Action Plan in May to address what it described as “an unprecedented surge in demand” for driving tests. The comprehensive strategy aims to bring average waiting times down to the Service Level Agreement target of 10 weeks by September.
Key measures implemented include an intensive recruitment drive to increase testing capacity, enhanced scheduling systems to maximize available test slots, and expansion of testing resources across the country. These efforts have enabled the RSA to process applications more efficiently and reduce the substantial backlog that had built up.
Brendan Walsh, the RSA’s chief operating officer, described the results as a “clear sign” that the action plan is working effectively. “We’ve made significant strides in just a few months, thanks to the dedication of our staff and the support of the Department of Transport,” he said.
The RSA emphasized that applicants can help improve access for others by cancelling appointments in advance if they cannot attend. The authority also advised candidates to thoroughly prepare by reading all test materials, arriving early, and ensuring they attend the correct test center to maximize their chances of success.