Fears have been expressed that some drivers in Clare could be left waiting until the end of the year at least to get their driving licence, as waiting lists for tests continue to spiral.
There are now more than 90,000 people across the country awaiting a test, which has sparked concern that it could take months to clear the backlog.
The matter is being discussed by the Oireachtas Transport Committee today.
Only frontline workers are allowed to apply for a driving test at the moment, as COVID restrictions mean testing levels are only running to quarter capacity.
But the demand for tests remains high, with more than 98,400 people across the country now waiting to sit their driving test.
In addition, in excess of 76,200 people are still waiting to sit their Driver Theory Test, when that service resumes.
Last October the RSA sought permission to hire 80 additional testers, but despite this, Sinn Féin say only 40 were granted and they have yet to begin work.
Ennis-based Driving Instructor Don Barrett says there’s no prospect of those who aren’t essential workers getting a driving lesson any time soon and he fears this may drive many instructors out of business.
The matter is being discussed by the Oireachtas Transport Committee today and Sinn Féin has brought forward a range of proposals that it believes will help solve the escalating problem.
These include changing the Drivers Theory Test to an online system and hiring additional staff.
There are currently 3,000 people awaiting a test in the Ennis area alone, according to the party’s Clare TD Violet Anne Wynne, who says she fears these people could be waiting for over six months to get their licences.
She’s calling on Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to engage with those working with instructors, testers and unions to create a roadmap for clearing the backlog, saying it’s time for action rather than words.
