The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has told the Oireachtas Transport Committee that the national average waiting time for a driving test has fallen to 10.3 weeks, marking a significant improvement in recent months.
RSA chief executive Sam Waide said the reduction was largely achieved through the recruitment of 45 new driving testers, helping to clear a backlog that had drawn widespread criticism.
Strike called off
A planned strike by driving testers, due to take place on Friday, has also been called off. The dispute, which centred on insurance issues, has now been resolved. As a result, all scheduled tests in the coming days will proceed as normal.
Longer waits remain in Dublin
While the national average has improved, waiting times in some Dublin test centres remain higher, ranging between 15 and 17 weeks. The RSA has indicated that additional testers will be assigned to high-demand centres to ease pressure.
Stricter insurance checks
The RSA also confirmed that driving examiners will be given expanded powers to verify insurance documents. A new system will allow testers to directly check the national insurance database, reducing the risk of invalid or expired cover.
Learner drivers have been reminded that incorrect or expired insurance documentation can result in a cancelled test and the loss of fees.
Digital licence system planned
The authority further revealed that a new digital system is expected by the end of 2026, allowing successful candidates to apply for their driving licence through a mobile-based platform.
Committee members noted that while waiting times are improving, rising motor insurance premiums remain a concern for young drivers.