North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea is calling on the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross TD, to implement a maximum wait time of eight weeks for all learner drivers who have applied for their full driving test. Cllr. O’Shea brought a motion on this issue to today’s meeting of Cork County Council, which got the members full support.
Commenting on his motion, Cllr O’Shea said: “The current waiting times for driving tests range from eight to 27 weeks across the country. In light of the recent implementation of the unaccompanied learner driver provisions of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2018 – the Clancy Amendment – the current waiting times are unacceptable.
“It is a reality that the waiting times for driving tests that learner drivers currently experience are far too lengthy. You have cases where people are having to wait up to half a year after applying for their driving test before they actually take it. These people have passed their theory test, they have completed their 12 compulsory driving lessons, and yet they have to wait far too long to take their test and – should they pass – receive their full driving licence.
“I am calling on Minister Ross and his department to implement a maximum wait time of eight weeks for ‘L’ drivers who have applied for their test. Reducing the wait time has now become even more important in light of the implementation of the Clancy Amendment, so I will be seekinga positive response from Minister Ross on this issue,” added Cllr. O’Shea.
