More than 2,000 L-drivers are waiting for tests in Co Carlow

OVER 2,000 applicants are currently waiting for their driving test in Co Carlow – with an average wait time of an incredible 27 weeks.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) last week launched a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing driving test waiting times for Carlow and across the country.

The plan sets out clear actions to bring the average waiting time down from 27 weeks to ten weeks by early September 2025. This urgent response comes amid unprecedented demand for driving tests, with 100,000 waiting to be tested nationwide. In Co Carlow, 2,094 applicants are awaiting a test.

Test centres around the country will see an increase in the number of testers assigned to them over the coming months, subject to demand levels. In January, there were three testers in Co Carlow; by September there will be a total of four testers.

Other 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 will include overtime for weekday evenings, Saturdays and bank holidays, with tests running from 7.25am to 7pm. Targeted manual intervention in the booking system will ensure invitations are issued to areas of greatest demand to ensure a 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: 157,183 in 2021, rising to 180,696 in 2022, 212,525 in 2023 and reaching 253,850 last year, representing a 61% increase in the number of conducted tests since 2021.

“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,” said Sam Waide, chief executive officer at the RSA.

“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.

“We’re asking customers to support the effort by cancelling early if they cannot attend, so that appointments can be offered to others,” said Mr Waide.

“Every cancelled slot that’s reused helps us reduce the backlog faster. Also, we’re urging customers to ensure they are 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.”