RSA to reduce lengthy test waiting times amid apology as 100,000 on waitlists

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has launched a new action plan to reduce driving test waiting times nationwide.

The Government has tasked the RSA with reducing times from 27 weeks to 10 weeks by early September 2025.

"This urgent response comes amid unprecedented demand for driving tests, with 100,000 in the backlog/ waiting to be tested," according to RSA.

Key measures now underway to boost testing capacity include:

• Accelerated training of new testers through the use of additional training facilities and a revised approach to training enabling early deployment of new testers to centres.
• Expanded testing hours, including overtime for weekday evenings, Saturdays, and bank holidays - with tests running from 07:25am to 7pm.
• Targeted manual intervention in the booking system to ensure invitations are issued to areas of greatest demand to ensure more efficient slot allocation.
• To further alleviate pressure, new driving test centres will open in key areas bringing the national total to 60 centres.

The number of driving tests conducted has steadily increased year-on-year, reflecting growing demand:

There were 157,183 driving tests in 2021, rising to 180,696 tests in 2022.

There were 212,525 driving tests in 2023, and increasing to 253,850 the following year, representing a 61% increase in the number of conducted tests since 2021.

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Sam Waide, Chief Executive Officer at the RSA, said: “We know how frustrating and disruptive these delays are - especially for people who need a licence for work, college, or caring responsibilities. I want to offer a sincere apology to everyone who has been affected.

"Our team has developed a focused, projection-based plan to improve availability and reduce wait times. Every part of the system is being mobilised to deliver for the public. The RSA will publish progress updates every fortnight via its website to ensure full transparency and public awareness as the plan advances.

“We’re asking customers to support the effort by cancelling early if they cannot attend, so that appointments can be offered to others. Every cancelled slot that’s re-used helps us reduce the backlog faster. Also, we’re urging customers to ensure they prepared for their test as over 4,000 tests so far this year couldn’t be conducted for reasons such as vehicles without a valid NCT, Tax, Insurance or not deemed roadworthy.”