Huge backlog for driving and theory tests across region

Geraldine Grennan

Published: Fri 23 Jul 2021, 12:57 PM

Last updated: Fri 23 Jul 2021, 1:10 PM

There are currently over 6,500 people on the waiting list for either a driving test or a driver theory test in Westmeath, while in neighbouring Roscommon, almost 3,300 people are on the same waiting list.

Figures obtained by Meath East Sinn Fein TD, Darren O’Rourke, as a result of a Parliamentary Question reveal the starting backlog which has built up over the past year when coronavirus restrictions forced the suspension of driving tests for everyone except essential workers.

Athlone currently has 1,581 people on the waiting list for a driving test, while Mullingar has 1,661. In neighbouring Roscommon, the figure for those on the waiting list is 1,180.

The figures for driver theory tests in Athlone is even higher, with 2,864 tests scheduled to take place between now and December 31, which is one of the highest figures outside of the large urban areas of Dublin North, Limerick, Ennis and Naas in count Kildare.

By contrast, Mullingar has scheduled only 453 driver theory tests between now and December 31, with the bulk of these due, 144 due to be completed this month. Driver theory tests in Athlone will peak next month, when 1,884 people are scheduled to complete their test, and they will continue to taper off from then until December in an effort to clear the huge backlog.

Roscommon has only one driver theory test centre, located in Castlerea, and this has resulted in a huge number of tests being scheduled between now and December when 2,115 people in the county will sit their test. The bulk of the scheduled tests (1,456) are due to take place next month with figures tapering off to the end of the year with just one driver theory test scheduled for December.

The Meath East Sinn Fein TD who obtained the full list of people around the country awaiting a driving tests or a driver theory test has called for an immediate increase in testing capacity. “This should include the fast-track recruitment of staff, longer opening hours, and the establishment of pop-up centres where necessary” said Deputy Darren O’Rourke.