Learner drivers in Clare are facing waits of around 8 months for driving tests, with nearly 1,500 people here waiting to be tested.
Clare County Councillors are expected to call for government investment in the driving tests system at their meeting this afternoon.
Clare FM’s Sally-Ann Barrett Reports:
[CLIP]
Before Covid-19, waiting times for a driving test with the Road Safety Authority had fallen to six weeks, which the RSA says is the lowest waiting period in over twenty years.
But after test centres were closed for four months at the onset of the pandemic, a backlog of people awaiting an appointment was created.
Even now, the service is now only operating at 75% capacity, due to measures introduced to protect staff against the virus.
The latest figures show 260 people are scheduled to take a test in Clare over the next 4 to 5 weeks, but a further 1,218 people here are still awaiting an appointment.
Some people are waiting eight months to be tested, impacting on their ability to make essential journeys to work or college.
Sixmilebridge Councillor PJ Ryan says it’s just not suitable but the Road Safety Authority says increased test centres is not the answer.
RSA Communicatons Manager, Brian Farrell says efforts are being made to deliver a significant response to the situation, but he’s warning it will take time.
