LIMERICK learner drivers are having to wait up to 21 weeks for a driving test, according to the latest figures from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The average wait is 12.3 weeks in Limerick but the figures also indicate that the longest wait is 21 weeks.
Meanwhile, Shannon applicants will have to wait an average of 14.8 weeks and a maximum of 19 weeks.
The pass rate in Limerick is 58.38 per cent and in Shannon, 50.07 per cent.
The figures come as it is revealed that there are 83,000 people nationally on the waiting list for driving tests.
In some areas, applicants have to wait up to six months to get a test date.
Senator Victor Boyhan has called for Transport Minister Shane Ross to urgently sanction more Driving Testers
“Many young people and families are now preparing for the new third-level term and getting back to work routines. Young drivers need to be facilitated to get their full licence to support their mobility. With high rents, many young people are now commuting long distances to college or work – and they need to be able to drive independently.”
Senator Boyhan said the issue lies in a shortage of Driving Testers and Minister Ross needs to sanction immediate recruitment of more staff.
The latest figures also show that there are 98 testers (whole time equivalents) nationwide and that ten have retired so far this year with two more to retire by year-end. Meanwhile, only four new testers have been recruited since June.
“I am calling on Minister Ross to urgently sanction recruitment of more driving testers across the country. Young people and new drivers need to be able to attain their full licence more speedily,” Senator Boyhan added.
The longest waiting time for car driver testing was in Skibbereen at 26 weeks, with 25 weeks in Castlebar, Cavan, Gorey, Killarney and Kilrush.
Average waiting times in test centres varied from nine weeks up to 16 in Killarney and Monaghan, with the RSA stating that its target is to achieve an average waiting time of ten weeks.
