RSA must meet driving test targets – Murphy

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) must ensure that its goal to reduce driving test waiting times can be achieved, said a Fine Gael TD.

Deputy Michael Murphy, Chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, said that the RSA have committed to increase capacity to carry out 7,200 tests a week, with 360,000 tests a year by September.

“I welcome confirmation from the RSA today at the Oireachtas Transport Committee that a range of key measures will be deployed to reduce the waiting times.

“The meeting was a key opportunity to highlight the deep frustration and anger around the unacceptable waiting times for a driving test that averaged 27 weeks at the end of April.

“The RSA have said there are early indicators of progress, which will be welcome to many, but we need to see driving test waiting times below the target of 10 weeks. It’s essential that the RSA are striving to get waiting times as short as possible.

“For many people driving is not a luxury, it’s crucial to employment, education and in some cases, caring responsibilities.

“I welcome that the RSA have said they are confident waiting times will be reduced, but we need to see tangible results. People across the country are frustrated with the lengthy delays.

“I will continue to engage with RSA over the coming weeks on the progress they are making to reduce these times by September”, concluded Deputy Murphy.