Theory and driving test delays no longer acceptable

SOME people have had their driver theory test postponed up to seven times.

The figure was revealed by Deputy Michael Ring who has today called on the RSA to immediately address the huge backlog in waiting lists for both theory tests and driving tests.

The delay is causing added financial pressure and inconvenience to thousands of people, he said. Insurance costs are higher when a driver is on a learner permit or when people on international licences are waiting to obtain an Irish licence.

Many people cannot take up employment as they cannot do a theory test to obtain even a provisional licence to drive to work accompanied. In particular, people in rural areas are adversely impacted as they have no choice but to drive to work as there is no public transport available.

Explained Deputy Ring: “I am inundated with calls from people whose theory test has been postponed again and again - even as high as seven times. This is simply unjust. The RSA is holding up a whole sector of society and preventing them from driving and possibly obtaining work.

“I understand that driving tests for essential workers continues to be the priority for the driving testing service, but even essential workers cannot obtain a test date.

“While I understand that public safety is the first priority, it is time to make driving tests and theory tests available to those who need them as a matter of urgency.

“The reopening of these services needs to be expedited. The test centres should, by now, have extensive Covid-19 measures in place to protect both the customers and staff and to ensure the safe delivery of the service.

“I am asking that capacity for theory tests and driving tests be immediately increased.”