There are currently 3,071 motorists awaiting a driving test across Clare’s three centres.
That represents an increase of over a quarter from the 2,403 recorded on waiting lists at the end of August 2022.
Figures from the Road Safety Authority, published in response to a parliamentary question from Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara, show 845 motorists are waiting to sit a test in Shannon, a jump of 38% in the last six months.
401 motorists are waiting to sit a driving test in Kilrush, with just twelve receiving a test date so far.
17% of driving test applicants in Ennis are not yet eligible to sit their test, because either they haven’t completed all twelve essential driver training lessons or haven’t held a learner permit for the minimum six month period.
Meanwhile, the average wait for a driving test appointment in Clare now standing at just over 20 weeks.
Only 347 applicants in the Banner County have so far received a scheduled test date, representing just 11% of all learner drivers here on a waiting list.
