The Government has been accused of not having a plan to cut driving test wait times by Sinn Féin. 

There are currently over 72,000 learner drivers waiting for their test - a 10,000 increase in the space of just three months. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Sinn Féin transport spokesperson Pa Daly said the party had heard from some people waiting for the best part of a year. 

“The number of people waiting has grown by 60% over the last three-years,” he said. 

“There’s a statutory minimum that you should be able to get your driving test within 10-weeks but there’s no test centre around the country matching that. 

“Many are waiting six months and some people are waiting eight months.” 

Deputy Daly said this is a particular problem for young people who want to study a third-level course - such as paramedic science - where a driving licence is a requirement as part of their application. 

“There is an overreliance on temporary driving instructors and that is a problem because there’s a lack of local knowledge then,” he said. 

“The Government had an idea that they were going to hire 70 permanent driving instructors but we’re not sure what has happened to that.

“There definitely needs to be more permanent driving instructors.” 

A learner driver adding 'L' plates to his parents car. Picture by: True Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Deputy Daly claimed that the Government has had little interest in fixing the issue “for some time”. 

“While we all know that there was a lot of ‘examining’, ‘progressing’ and ‘considering’ in the Programme for Government, there was nothing mentioned regarding addressing the delays in driving tests,” he said. 

“So, we don’t think the Government have any intention of really sorting this out. 

“That’s why we’re bringing the motion, to concentrate the minds of Government.” 

Solution

One suggestion from Sinn Féin is for the Department of Transport to open up new test centres in parts of the country with high population growth. 

“There are some areas that don’t even have a driving test centre,” Deputy Daly said. 

“For example, you take Drogheda - which is the biggest town in the country - that doesn’t have a driving test centre. 

“So, there’s 45,000 people there and it’s expected to grow over the next few years. 

“That needs a test centre.” 

The Department of Transport has been contacted for comment.