The average waiting time for learner drivers to sit their tests in Co. Donegal is now 7 weeks, according to new figures from the Road Safety Authority.
Buncrana Test Centre has the longest waiting time in the county, with applicants waiting an average of 7 and a half weeks for tests.
The longest time that learners have has to wait is 9 weeks in both Buncrana and Donegal Town. The times are expected to rise next month.
The average waiting time in Letterkenny and Donegal Town is 6.7 weeks.
The RSA has forecast that the waiting time in Letterkenny will drop to 5.3 weeks in September.
Multiple learner permit holders who are eligible to sit a driving test are being called on to apply for one without delay. There are 41,316 people in Ireland who are on their fourth or subsequent learner permit.
Moyagh Murdock RSA CEO said: “While we have seen an 11% decrease in the number of people holding a fourth or more learner permit this year, it’s simply not enough. The practice of people continuing to drive on learner permits without ever taking a test is unacceptable and unnecessary in today’s circumstances, where the national average waiting time to take a test is just over six weeks.
“We want to assure learner permit holders that if you’ve been waiting to take your driving test and are eligible to take one, there’s never been a better time than now to book it. Waiting times have been reduced to just over six weeks nationally and the RSA will prioritise any urgent requests for a test. Passing your test could mean lower insurance costs in the order of 20-30%, and, more importantly, make you a better, safer driver, so no more excuses!”
The RSA has created an easy-to-use online resource passthetest.ie to support learner drivers with information on how to access the driving test service and prepare for the test.
