Learner drivers in Laois are waiting up 29 weeks to get a driving test, a Laois TD has revealed.
Fine Gael’s Charlie Flanagan says he has made strong representations to the Department of Transport and the RSA on the matter.
He has called upon them to slash the current unacceptable waiting list time for driving tests.
Currently applicants to the test centre in Portlaoise must wait 29 weeks while the wait time in Birr is 25 weeks and Tullamore is 18 weeks.
Deputy Flanagan recently met with the Chair of the RSA, Liz O’Donnell, and expressed his concern in relation to ‘unacceptable wait times’ in Offaly and Laois.
Following the meeting Deputy Flanagan raised the matter with the Minister for Transport by way of Parliamentary Question.
The Department confirmed to Deputy Flanagan that sanction has been given for additional temporary driver testers and it is expected that the waiting list will be tackled.
Deputy Flanagan said: “With the cost of accommodation in Dublin being prohibitive many students are forced to commute long distances from Offaly and Laois to college similarly many young workers must travel long distances to get to work.
“Lengthy waiting lists is costing young people and I am very keen that waiting lists are brought down at the earliest opportunity.”
