1,519 people in Clare are awaiting a driving test.
Of this figure, 174 have received a test date while a further 2,965 are on a waiting list to undertake the driver theory test.
Figures were provided by the RSA in response to a parliamentary question from Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND).
Subsequent to seeing the numbers, Deputy McNamara called on the Department of Transport and Road Safety Authority (RSA) to further increase the number of driving testers in Clare.
While the Department of Transport has confirmed that sanction was recently received for 40 temporary testers, McNamara says greater numbers need to be employed, at least on a temporary basis, to overcome the backlog.
He stated, “The Department says it is working to increase capacity from 25,000 tests to 50,000 tests per month over time, if public health guidance permits. It is clear however, that the test number limits are compounded by a need for more testers to be introduced into the system, even if on a temporary basis”.
“The issue is of particular significance to young people whose employment situation may be dependent on their ability to secure a full driver licence. For others, it is about being able to drive to and from Third Level next month. The pandemic has undoubtedly had an impact on the waiting list, but it is important the Department and the RSA take every possible action to reduce these significant numbers,” McNamara added.
