Driving test delays are creating 'hardship' according to a Kilkenny councillor

Local Fianna Fail councillor, Pat Fitzpatrick, has voiced great concern over the significant backlogs in driving tests, claiming the current situation is creating 'hardship' for students and apprentice hopefuls.

Cllr. Fitzpatrick claimed that the inability for students and apprentices to schedule and take their driving tests is ‘hindering’ their ability to commute to school and obtain employment in industries that require a driver's licence.

Just over 1,000 candidates at the Kilkenny test centre are waiting to take their driving test, while 229 have scheduled their test, according to a spokesperson from the Department of Transport.

"This is one of the centres with the greatest volume of applications and so wait times at the centre are now 51 weeks unfortunately," the spokesperson added.

The Department has given an approval for the recruitment of an additional 75 drivers, with a focus being on Kilkenny and other severely impacted counties.

"To address this issue, it is crucial for local authorities, driving test centres, and relevant government agencies to collaborate and develop strategies to reduce the backlog," Cllr Fitzpatrick said.

"This may involve increasing the capacity of driving test centres, hiring and training additional driving examiners, or exploring alternative testing methods," he added.

The Fianna Fail representative believes prioritising students and apprentices during the backlog should be considered.

It is important for all stakeholders to work together to find practical solutions that alleviate these hardships and ensure a smoother process for those seeking to obtain their driver's licences," Cllr Fitzpatrick concluded.