Donegal learners encouraged to take driving tests in Derry
'Massive difference': Five month driving test backlog in Donegal - instructor says
A local driving instructor is encouraging learner drivers from Donegal to consider taking their driving tests in Derry.
Deborah McElhinney - owner of Deborah’s Driving School - described the process as “very straightforward”.
Speaking to The Derry News she added: “There is a massive difference in driving test and re-test waiting times between Derry and Donegal.
“According to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) website, the next available driving test date in Buncrana and Letterkenny is May 5, 2025. It is May 12, 2025 for Donegal Town. In addition, anyone needing a re-test in Donegal has to wait a further three months.
“Essentially, there is a five month driving test backlog in Donegal compared to an approximately one to two week wait in Derry.
“I would encourage anyone in Donegal urgently in need of a driving licence, for employment, education or family purposes, to consider taking their driving test in Derry,” said Ms McElhinney.
Ms McElhinney said she was currently teaching a number of people from Donegal to drive.
“It is taking approximately a month from start to finish and they will be able to exchange their full Northern Ireland driving licence for a Republic of Ireland driving licence at their local National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) office when they pass their tests. It is a very straightforward and legal process,” she said.
“In the Republic of Ireland, learner drivers must pass a theory test and an eyesight test before obtaining their provisional driving licence. They cannot take their driving test until six months after receiving their first provisional licence and their Essential Driving Training (EDT) must be completed and uploaded to the RSA portal two weeks before the test application.
“In Northern Ireland, a provisional driving licence application can be made to the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) using a Northern Ireland address, with no theory or eyesight tests required beforehand.
“In terms of driving test eligibility, there is no waiting period for applying but learners must pass the theory test first. There is no EDT or set number of lessons required,” said Deborah McElhinney.
The driving instructor said the RSA had started a new recruitment campaign for driving test examiners.
“But, realistically, those new examiners won’t be recruited, trained, and in post until the summer at the earliest.
“Another thing to note is Northern Ireland currently accepts Republic of Ireland registered cars for the driving test as well, so people can actually use their own cars for the driving test if they want - providing, of course, it is fully insured.”