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21 Dec 2025
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21 Dec 2025
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Tipperary North TD Alan Kelly has brought up the contentious issue of driving centre pass/failure rates in Tipperary asking "how is this even statistically possible?"
Speaking in the Dáil this week, Mr Kelly outlined the pass rate in the Driving Centre in Nenagh is a very low 31.9%, making it the second lowest in the country, comparing that to Thurles, which has a pass rate of 74.4%, making it one of the highest in Ireland.
The TD for the Tipperary North constituency has called for a full investigation and audit into both centre's results and individual tester results.
In a post on Facebook, Deputy Kelly reiterated these calls saying he will "chase down this issue until it is dealt with", as young people feel working hard and trying to get their licence believe they are failing for very "harsh circumstances."
"In the Dail I raised the issue of the pass/failure rates for driving tests in Nenagh testing centre.
"The pass rate is 31.9% in Nenagh which is the second lowest in the country compared to 74.4% in Thurles which is one of the highest. What is going on?? How is this even statistically possible??
"I’ve asked the Minister for Transport to raise this with the RSA and ask that they inspect and audit both test centre results and individual testers results.
"I’ve been inundated over recent years with people complaining about the failure rate in Nenagh testing centre centre, many of them young people who work hard in jobs/part time jobs to save for a car, insurance, tax, lessons and pay the €85 fee for testing only for to fail in why they believe is in very harsh circumstances.
"The amazing thing is then that some go to Birr or Thurles to resit the test and they pass! This needs to be looked at as all of these people need their licences for jobs, college, to help family members.
"It’s not acceptable for people and so many young people in particular to be treated this way. I’ll continue to chase down this issue until it is dealt with."
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