25-week wait for driving test applicants in Mayo town

A CALL has been issued tp the Minister for Transport to address the current wait times for the driving test.

Castlebar has the second longest wait time in the country to sit your driving test at 25 weeks, second only to Skibbereen which has a wait time of 26 weeks, outlined Mayo TD Lisa Chambers.

She explained; “I’ve had constituents contact my office looking for assistance to try and cut the wait times as waiting 25 weeks, and in some cases longer, just isn't viable for people.

“Many people need their cars for an array of reasons, whether it be to travel to work, college, bring their children to and from school, attend appointments or whatever the case may be, in this day and age having the use of a car is a necessity for many people.

“We have strict laws in this county when it comes to people driving with a learner permit, which of course are effective, but if we are going to have these strict laws then we need to match them with adequate wait times for people to sit their driving test,” she said.

“The current wait time in Castlebar is unacceptable and I am calling on the Minister for Transport and the Government to address these wait times sooner rather than later.”