Waiting Times for Driving Tests in Cork Far Too Long – O’Shea

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has this week called on the Minister for Transport to implement a maximum wait time of eight weeks for all learner drivers who have applied for their full driving test. Deputy O’Shea has placed a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Transport this week calling on improvement to be made on waiting times in Cork.

Commenting on the current situation, Deputy O’Shea said: “The current waiting times for driving tests in Cork is well over 6 months. If you book a test in Mallow today, the nearest date for a test is the 28^th July 2025. This is unacceptable. We have had previous promises from the RSA saying they are appointing new testers. Has this happened? If so, why are we seeing increases in waiting times and not decreases?”

Deputy O’Shea added “My office has been contacted by many people throughout the constituency who are anxiously waiting for a test. These are people who need their car so they can get to college or their place of work. They have done all that is required of them – passed their theory test, 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 license”. 

“I am calling on the new Minister for Transport to tackle this issue head on and ensure people waiting on a driving test do not have to wait for more than a max of 8 weeks anywhere around the country”. Concluded Deputy O’Shea