Learner drivers in Mayo could be impacted by examiners strike
Concerns are growing around insurance verification and the level of legal protection in place during driving tests following the recent decision by driving examiners to vote in favour of strike action.
Commenting on what this could mean for the future of driving tests, Conor Mulcahy, Head of Product and Renewals at Quote Devil said:
“The dispute stems from the current lack of a reliable system to confirm whether a learner driver’s vehicle is properly insured at the time of the test. This leaves examiners potentially exposed to legal and financial risk if an incident were to occur during a driving test, a situation that is understandably causing concern among RSA examiners.”
Mr. Mulcahy explained the impact that this could have for learner drivers in Mayo.
“For learners, the impact could be significant. If strike action proceeds, driving test availability is likely to reduce further, adding pressure to already lengthy waiting lists stemming from COVID. Learners may also face tighter checks around documentation, including the need to provide clear proof of valid insurance before being allowed to sit their test.”
He also said that digital insurance checks may become standard practice.
“It is highly likely that changes to how driving tests are conducted in Ireland are on the horizon. We may see a move towards mandatory, verifiable proof of insurance being submitted in advance of a test, rather than relying on verbal confirmation on the day. Digital insurance checks or documentation uploads could become standard practice, offering greater protection for examiners while also providing clarity and reassurance for candidates.”
Mr. Mulcahy explained why this upcoming driving examiners strike is so important.
“The potential continuous knock-on effects are substantial. Fewer available tests would mean longer waiting times, delays in obtaining full licences, and additional costs for learner drivers, who may need to extend permits or insurance policies. Examiners also argue that without proper indemnity, they may face fines or personal liability for damage or injuries caused during tests involving uninsured vehicles, a risk that should not sit with individual employees.
“From an insurance perspective, this situation highlights just how critical proper cover is, even at the early learning stages. Ensuring learners are correctly insured with learner insurance helps protect everyone involved, reduces disputes, and supports a safer, more efficient testing system.
In the long run, clearer insurance verification processes will benefit drivers, examiners, and the wider road safety framework by helping to prevent delays, uncertainty, and disruption across the testing system.”