Number awaiting driving tests at Mayo centre rises significantly

Mayo Labour Party representative Kamal Uddin has said the government must get a hold on driver waiting numbers in the area as new figures have revealed the list continues to grow.

Speaking after updated figures were released to Deputy Sean Sherlock, Mr. Uddin said: “The number of ineligible drivers awaiting a driving test is huge, over 32,000 nationally.

"There are 1,351 waiting for their tests at the Castlebar centre and right now there seems to be a massive disconnect between the RSA and the government in respect of allowing people in the essential worker category, who need to get their full driving licence, to undertake their tests.

"I'm fearful at present that the RSA isn't pushing back significantly against the government on this issue.

"Included in the Castlebar waiting lists are 454 applicants who are ineligible because they have not completed enough essential lessons.

"I don't see a reason why, given that instructors have been very meticulous about ensuring their own safety and the safety of anybody whose a passenger in their car in respect of driving tests, that driving lessons for essential workers cannot resume.

“We need to keep the throughput of theory tests, driving lessons and driving tests going because a major backlog already exists

“In November 975 were waiting for a test in Castlebar.

"As of March 26 that list has grown to 1,351 in total waiting for a test in Castlebar with 454 ineligible because they have not completed enough essential lessons.

“The government need to get a grip on this and put a plan in place to deal with these spiralling waiting lists by establishing a roadmap starting with the resumption of driving lessons for essential workers who do not have a test date."