Over 1,400 waiting on driving tests in Cavan and Monaghan

Driving tests have resumed in some centres around the country but there is a backlog of over 1,400 people waiting to sit their tests in Cavan and Monaghan.

Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher has received correspondence from the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has shown 964 customers in Cavan are either waiting to sit a test or have applied; while 448 such cases are outstanding in neighbouring County Monaghan.

“While it is welcome that driving tests in some locations have begun, we need a plan to tackle the backlog," said the Monaghan Senator.

“In rural areas in particular, obtaining a full licence is a lifeline for many young people who gain independence through a full driving licence," he added.

Senator Gallagher is calling on the new Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) to outline his plan to address the backlog that has grown since the service was suspended on March 13 last.

He has also committed to raise the issue directly with the Minister and in the Seanad.

Meanwhile, the validity of learner permits, which were due to expire between July 1 and October 31, has been extended by four months from the date of expiry.

The RSA website currently quotes an average waiting time of four weeks for a test in County Cavan and five in neighbouring County Monaghan. Pass rates, meanwhile, are almost 60% in Cavan and over 65% in Monaghan - the highest nationally.

The national average waiting time for a driving test, before the suspension of the driving test service was around five to six weeks. The RSA has committed to maintaining a national average waiting time of 10 weeks.

The following test centres will reopened for truck, bus and motorcycle tests the week commencing June 29: Dublin (Dun Laoghaire, Finglas, Mulhuddart), Dundalk, Ennis, Galway (Carnmore), Kilkenny, Kerry (Tralee, Killarney), Limerick (Dock Road), Sligo, Cork (Ballincollig, Mallow) and Waterford.

In the following weeks, all 52 test centres nationally will open for business.