'Crisis': Almost 3,000 Longford-Westmeath learner drivers remain stuck on waiting lists for driving test

Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke has criticised the government for allowing the driving test backlog to grow even further, leaving thousands of people stuck in limbo.

Deputy Clarke was speaking following a response she received to a Parliamentary Question regarding the Driver Testing Service in Longford-Westmeath.

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Teachta Clarke said:

“Here in Longford-Westmeath, almost 3,000 learner drivers remain stuck on waiting lists for a driving test.

“The statutory maximum waiting time is supposed to be 10 weeks. In reality, people are waiting six months or more, with some left waiting upwards of eight months before they even get a date.

“This is not only deeply frustrating for learners, but it is also driving up costs. For many, the overall cost of learning to drive has now gone beyond €3,000 when you factor in lessons, insurance, and delays. Young people and families are being squeezed yet again.

“The knock-on impact is being felt across society. Recruitment for essential services like Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and the ambulance service is being disrupted, because applicants need their licence to even begin training.

“Successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments have completely failed to plan ahead or provide enough permanent driving testers. In some parts of the country, there isn’t even a permanent test centre.

“Sinn Féin has consistently put forward solutions. We have called for resources to properly match demand, for the recruitment of permanent testers instead of relying on short-term contracts, and for a full review of the RSA’s resourcing and remit.

“Crucially, government must also identify where test centre provision is falling short and mandate the RSA and OPW to plug these gaps.

“This crisis is deepening month by month. It will not fix itself. Only with real political will and proper investment can we deliver a fair and functional system.

“Just as with housing, healthcare and the cost of living, the government’s approach of doing too little, too late is failing people.”

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