RSA reports significant drop in driving test waiting times

THE Road Safety Authority (RSA) has announced a continued and encouraging decline in national driving test waiting times, reflecting steady progress under its ambitious Driving Test Action Plan.

As of July 12, the average national waiting time to receive a driving test invitation has dropped to 14.4 weeks, surpassing the RSA’s mid-July target of 18 weeks by 20%.

This marks a further improvement from the 16.3 weeks recorded just two weeks ago, and a dramatic reduction from the peak of 27 weeks at the end of April.

The RSA remains on course to achieve its long-term goal of bringing average waiting times down to 10 weeks by September.

This progress is the result of a series of targeted measures to expand capacity and streamline operations.

This week alone, 10 new driving testers have joined the service, with an additional 17 testers beginning training. New test centres in Drogheda and Sandyford are set to become operational by September, while the temporary facility in Naas has been expanded to meet growing demand as negotiations continue for a permanent location.

Commenting on the positive update, Sarah O’Connor, RSA Director of Partnerships and External Affairs, said: “This steady reduction in waiting times shows that our Driving Test Action Plan is working. We’ve made real progress, but we know there’s more to do.

"With new testers coming on board and new centres opening, we’re committed to keeping this momentum going and reaching our 10-week target by September.”

The RSA continues to monitor test demand closely and is committed to taking further steps where needed, to improve access to the driving test for learner drivers across the country.