The Waiting List For Driving Tests In Kildare Now Tops 4.500 People.

Tuesday, 29 June 2021 07:20

That's an increase from 3,900 in November.

There's been a steady increase in the number of people awaiting driving tests at Naas.

Data released to Labour TD, Sean Sherlock, up to May 2nd, shows 4,569 people are on a list for a test at the Kildare centre.

In late May, the Road Safety Authority confirmed to Kildare South Fine Gael TD, and Minster of State, Martin Heydon, that it intends to temporarily increase the number of driver testers at its centre in Naas.

The wait there is among the top 5 longest waiting lists in Ireland.

The RSA is recruiting 40 additional testers across Ireland, in tandem with 36 approved for hire, or rehire.

They should be in place this month.

Kildare Labour councillor, Angela Feeney, says The driving test centre in Naas needs to be urgently expanded and resourced with additional testers to take more driving tests. With the numbers still so high consideration must be given to establishing a pop-up centre in more remote areas of the county where in parts public transport is non-existent or has been slashed due to the pandemic. It is also clear from the figures that the applicants most affected are those under the age of 40. Over 24,000 awaiting a test between the age of 31 to 40 is a concerning figure. There are study and employment opportunities being lost from the backlog. We need to see additional testers resourced to clear the backlog as a matter of urgency. Given the glacial reduction in numbers the Transport Minister needs to look again at this issue and properly resource the RSA to clear the backlog quicker".