Drivers in Portlaoise face an average of over three months to sit their driving test, latest figures show.
It has emerged that Portlaoise has one of the highest waiting times in the midlands region.
Drivers have an average wait time of 12.6 weeks to sit the test in the capital town.
The longest wait for drivers is 15 weeks.
This is higher than neighbouring towns such as Tullamore where drivers can sit the test in just over 11 weeks, with the longest wait recorded at 14 weeks there.
In nearby Birr, you can sit a test in under 10 weeks, with the longest wait there taking 14 weeks.
Motorists in Carlow face an average wait of 11.4 weeks but the longest wait there was 17 weeks.
Athlone has the shortest wait in the midlands, with drivers there waiting on average nine weeks to sit their test.
Employment
Some drivers require a driving test quickly, in order to secure employment so the waiting time can be particularly relevant to them.
Many drivers also choose to sit their test in a town which is deemed easier to pass. Factors which influence this decision can include the number of traffic lights to overcome, street layout etc.
Those nervous about driving through roundabouts will undoubtedly give Portlaoise a wide birth.
Anecdotally, Birr was a popular town for unsuccessful drivers to to resit their test in due to the uncomplicated nature of the streets and lack of traffic lights etc.
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