The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has launched a new action plan aimed at significantly reducing the long waiting times for driving tests across Ireland. The move comes in response to growing public frustration, with some learner drivers waiting up to six months or more for a test appointment.
As of May 2025, over 80,000 people are on the waiting list for a driving test. The RSA’s goal is to bring the average waiting time down to 10 weeks by October. Currently, the national average stands at 17.4 weeks, with some test centres experiencing even longer delays.
To tackle the backlog, the RSA has announced the recruitment of 75 additional driver testers. This will bring the total number of testers to 230 by the end of June. The new testers are being trained and deployed to the busiest centres, where demand is highest.
Sam Waide, CEO of the RSA, said the plan is focused on delivering a more efficient and accessible service. He acknowledged the frustration experienced by learner drivers and their families and stressed the importance of reducing delays to support road safety and mobility.
The RSA has also introduced a new online booking system to make it easier for applicants to secure test appointments. The system allows users to view real-time availability and choose from a wider range of test centres. This is expected to reduce the number of missed appointments and improve overall efficiency.
In addition to increasing staff and improving technology, the RSA is working closely with the Department of Transport to ensure long-term improvements in the driving test system. Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan welcomed the plan, calling it a “necessary and timely intervention” to address a growing problem.
The delays in driving tests have had a knock-on effect on many aspects of daily life. Young people, in particular, have faced difficulties accessing work, education, and training opportunities due to the lack of a full driving licence. The backlog has also impacted the insurance industry, with many learner drivers forced to remain on costly provisional policies for extended periods.
The RSA’s action plan also includes a review of the current test centre network, with the possibility of opening temporary or mobile test centres in areas with the highest demand. This flexible approach is designed to ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed.
While the plan has been broadly welcomed, some road safety campaigners have urged the RSA to maintain high testing standards despite the pressure to reduce waiting times. They stress that ensuring drivers are properly prepared remains essential to keeping roads safe.
