Like 'A Pilot Who Never Leaves the Runway': Calls Grow To Fix "Laughing Stock" Driving Test System

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 12:28

By Martin Osborne

The average waiting time for a driving test has increased from six weeks to 24 weeks over the past five years.

Over 43,626 learner drivers are on the roads in Kildare alone.

Nationally, the figure is 842,260.

The high numbers have prompted calls for a "root and branch review" of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the organisation's operation of the driving test system.

The average waiting time for a driving test has increased from six weeks to 24 weeks over the past five years.

Ger Hyland, President of The Irish Road Haulage Association (IHRA), believes the long wait times are due to "mismanagement of the driving test regime".

He said young drivers need their car to get to work and college, with the delays forcing them to make difficult choices.

He has called for a complete overhaul of the current test system to address delays,.

He also said tests should include testing for motorway driving skills, night time driving and safe overtaking on secondary roads.

He described Ireland's testing system as a "laughing stock" and compared it to a pilot being taught how to "fly a plane without ever leaving the runway".

Gardaí issued 10,552 unaccompanied learner drivers with fixed penalty notices last year.

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