New driving testers 'will help to address backlog' in Kilkenny

Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, has welcomed the announcement by Fianna Fáil Minister Jack Chambers, which approves the hiring of 75 additional driver testers by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

This move is aimed at addressing the current backlog in the Driver Testing Service. 

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The additional 75 testers will bring the potential total number of testers to over 200, in addition to the 30 extra testers who were previously sanctioned in July 2022 and have been fully deployed since the end of March 2023.

The recruitment process for the new testers will be conducted through open competition, and the RSA anticipates that the new testers will be trained and ready to work from October of this year.

With the new testers in place, customers can expect to see improvements in their waiting times, and the RSA expects the backlog of applicants to be returned to target customer service levels by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

The demand for driving tests has reached unprecedented levels, with applications in 2022 being 28% higher than 2021 levels and 27% up on 2018 pre-Covid-19 pandemic.

Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said that 'the current backlog in the Driver Testing Service has caused considerable frustration for many people who need to obtain their driving licence for work, education or other purposes'.

"I’ve dealt with so many constituents facing really long delays with driving tests and this is a positive step by the Government," she said

"These additional testers will help to address this backlog and ensure that people across Carlow and Kilkenny can obtain their driving licences in a timely and efficient manner."

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The new hires will reportedly bring the potential total number of testers to over 200 and address the current backlog in the Driver Testing Service. 

It is in addition to the 30 extra testers previously sanctioned in July 2022 and who have been fully deployed since end of March 2023. 

With these new testers in place, Irish learners will see improvements in their waiting times and the RSA expect the backlog of applicants to be returned to target customer service levels by the end of the first quarter of 2024. 

According to the Department of Transport, applications for driving tests in 2022 were 28% higher than 2021 levels and 27% up on 2018 pre-Covid pandemic levels.

Speaking today, Minister Ryan said, "I am delighted to confirm that the RSA has received sanction to hire up to 75 additional driver testers to address the backlog that has arisen due to unprecedented demand in the driver testing service. 

"These additional testers will enable the RSA to begin reversing the growing backlog. It is important to recognise that there are no quick fixes or easy solutions, but my Department will continue to keep the situation under review." 
 
Minister of State Chambers said, "This approval for new testers for the RSA is a positive and proactive response to an ongoing problem within the Driver Testing Service across the state. By increasing the number of driver testers, the RSA can provide the testing service they are committed to delivering and a quality service each customer deserves. I would like to thank the public who have been patient while we manage these demand pressures on the service.

"The progress made in the driver testing service will be carefully monitored, and the RSA will work to provide as many tests as possible as safely as possible.”
 
CEO of the Road Safety Authority, Sam Waide, said, "I welcome this decision by the Ministers and would like to thank my colleagues for their support and dedication over this challenging period. Our team have worked very hard to support applicants during this busy time. We look forward to working with these new staff to bring our Driver Testing service to normal levels." 

The open recruitment campaign is currently live. 

New testers are expected to be ready to work from October of this year.