Urgent action needed to stop driving test waiting lists in Longford and Westmeath

Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke TD, has called for urgent action from government to tackle growing driving test waiting lists after a response to her parliamentary question reveals that over 3,000 people across Longford-Westmeath are waiting on a test.

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She said bad planning and mismanagement by successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments have created a system that is not fit for purpose.  

 
Teachta Clarke said:
 
“The number of people waiting to sit their driving test across Longford-Westmeath has jumped by almost 10% since February, with over 3,000 people on waiting lists.
 
“Some of the 3,000 people are being left in limbo on waiting lists for over 6 months, if not a year, despite the statutory maximum of 10 weeks.
 
“This sharp rise highlights the mounting pressures on the Driver Testing Service, with local instructors warning that waiting lists are approaching breaking point.

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“We can’t let another year go by with thousands stuck in limbo.  The Department, now more than ever, needs to steer this crisis back on course.
 
“Learners have spent endless hours taking lessons and paid the fees, which are not cheap.  All they are asking for is a fair shot at the test, not a 6-month delay.  This must change.
 
“Sinn Féin has called on government countless times to match the increased demand for driving tests with appropriate resources.  This means ending the over-reliance on temporary driving instructors and expediting the recruitment of permanent instructors.
 
“Government must once and for all identify all the gaps in driving test centre locations and mandate the RSA and the OPW to fill them.
 
“The deepening crisis requires the political will, ambition and resourcing to solve it.
 
“Just like the crises in housing, healthcare and the cost of living, more of the same from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will only make matters worse.”