New full-time tester hired for test centre in Tipperary to help with backlog of tests
The new full-time position will hopefully help clear some of the backlog of driving tests in the county.
A Tipperary councillor has said she welcomes the news that a new tester has been hired to work in the Clonmel Driving Test Centre.
Cllr Máirín McGrath said today that she welcomed the appointment of a new full-time driving tester to the centre, with the new tester due to begin work next week.
“This is a hugely positive development for the wider South Tipperary area,” Cllr McGrath said. “I’ve been raising this issue consistently, and I am regularly in contact with young people and driving instructors in the area who are frustrated about the waiting times so I’m delighted that we are now seeing real action that will help reduce waiting times for driving tests in our region.”
For the last year, the Clonmel Test Centre has only had one full-time tester, meaning that when that tester was unavailable due to illness, leave, or other reasons, driving tests had to be cancelled, further exacerbating the backlog. This has contributed to an unacceptable waiting time of over 32 weeks earlier this year—well over six months—forcing many local applicants to endure long delays for something as essential as a driving test.
“For people in rural areas, a driving licence isn’t just a convenience; it’s an absolute necessity,” said Cllr McGrath. “The delays we’ve seen have created significant hardship, especially for young people and those looking for work. When tests are cancelled because there isn’t enough staff, it puts people’s lives on hold. I’m very relieved to see the RSA taking action to address this.”
Cllr McGrath also acknowledged the strong advocacy of Deputy Mattie McGrath, who has raised this issue on multiple occasions in the Dáil, and thanked Minister Seán Canney for his swift action in securing the additional staff for Clonmel.
“I want to express my gratitude to Deputy Mattie McGrath, whose tireless campaigning has been crucial in bringing this issue to the forefront, and to Minister Seán Canney for responding so positively as the newly appointed Minister with responsibility for Road Safety. This is a huge step in the right direction for the Clonmel Test Centre and those who needing to get their license.”
Cllr McGrath reaffirmed her commitment to continue advocating for sufficient resources to meet the demand for driving tests and ensure that people are not left waiting any longer than necessary for an essential service in a rural area.