Driving Test waiting list in Ireland has been a shambles for years now but there are moves underway as we speak to greatly improve the situation for Learner Drivers.

In 2006 the wait for a test was on average about 12 months in most Driving Test Centres but this is now being reduced by outsourced Driving Tests in some locations in the greater Dublin area and by extra working hours by the small team of Driving Examiners.

However let’s make it quite clear that there are several factors which have contributed to this lengthy waiting list. Some of these we have no control over and some we have absolute control over!

(1)   The Demographics in Ireland are quite unique, with a large young population all coming into the age bracket at which they will want to drive.

(2)    Immigration has continued at a rapid pace both before and after the expansion of the E.U and again most of the new settlers to Ireland will be joining the Driver community thus increasing the numbers waiting to sit a Driving Test to gigantic proportions.

(3)   There is a large percentage of Candidates who just do not turn up for their appointments. This is a serious problem and one which just lengthens the waiting list since the NO-SHOWS go back to the end of the waiting list and do not allow those desperately in need of a full license to avail of a cancellation.

(4)   There are a high number of cancellations when Learner Drivers decide at the last minute that they are not ready for the Test. If Learner Drivers took the whole issue seriously and prepared adequately for the Test then the pass rate would be higher and the waiting list would reduce.

(5)   There are numerous Driving Tests not carried out because the Car has not been fully checked and prepared and does not meet the requirements of the Driving Test Department. There are many elements of basic maintenance that if left without remedying will disbar a Car from being used on a Driving Test. Some of these, while not necessarily obvious to a Learner Driver will be obvious to an Instructor and once again the Driving Instructor can play a vital role in Driving Test Preparation