'Real consequences' as driving test delays in Tipperary could cause serious problems - McGrath

Independent TD Mattie McGrath has voiced serious concerns regarding growing delays in driving test appointments throughout County Tipperary, with Clonmel experiencing particularly severe backlogs.

At present, 1,926 learner drivers in the county are waiting to sit their test, contributing to a national queue exceeding 81,000 individuals.

McGrath pointed out that Clonmel's waiting period is 28 weeks, nearly triple the government’s target of a maximum 10-week wait. Tipperary town follows closely with a 26-week wait, while Nenagh and Thurles report delays of 23 and 21 weeks respectively.

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“These prolonged waits are having tangible effects,” McGrath stated. “Young people are missing out on job opportunities and apprenticeships, and rural families are being left without essential transport.”

Similar issues have been reported nationwide. In response, Minister of State Séan Canney met with the leadership of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to address the delays.

While the Government approved 70 new permanent driver tester roles in September 2024 - bringing the total to 200, effectively doubling the number since June 2022 - the approval came with the requirement that the RSA submit a plan to reduce waiting times.

Although the RSA proposed reaching the 10-week goal by November 2025, the Department of Transport rejected the timeline as insufficient and has demanded a revised, accelerated plan within the next two weeks.

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