Over 2,000 learner drivers awaiting tests in Athlone

Learner drivers in Co. Westmeath are still having to wait up to four months to sit a test, while driver tester numbers fall.

Figures released to Aontú through a Parliamentary Question show that in the Athlone test centre 2,374 learner drivers are waiting for tests. In Mullingar, the figure is 2,270.

Just 238 of these learner drivers in Athlone have a scheduled driving test date.

There were 145 testers nationally in 2023 but that figure dropped to 137 this year.

Aontú’s Laura O’ Neill , who is standing in the Kinnegad LEA in June’s local elections, has questioned why, despite the lengthy waiting times and the large number of applicants, the numbers of driving testers have actually decreased nationally.

“There’s no question but there should be more testers not less, and tests on public holidays or at weekends to tackle the backlog.

"People are suffering because of these delays, and parents of learner permit holders in Westmeath for example who have to accompany their son or daughter to college or work each day are being impacted. We all know that public transport in Westmeath is patchy to say the least," stated Ms O'Neill.