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THERE has been a call for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to intervene to reduce waiting times for Kerry drivers in line for a driving test.

Kerry Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil has said that people are waiting inordinate amounts of time to access a driving test, and called on the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority stepped in to deliver a speedier and more efficient service.

The RSA, the national body charged with administering the driving test, states that the average wait time for a test at the Tralee Centre is 13.6 weeks. “However, this has been disputed by members of staff working in the centre who claim that the average wait time is now in excess of 27 weeks – well over six months,” said Deputy Brassil.

“This is a scandalous amount of time to be waiting just to get a driving test. This is affecting those who are paying crazy insurance prices, and who, if they pass their test, should see a reduction in their premiums.

“Even those who decide to go on the list for cancellations are being forced to wait up to 26 weeks – meaning that there is no hope of getting an ad hoc appointment quickly.”

Kerry is faring worse than most parts of the country, with certain counties having wait times of just 16 weeks. “The Department of Transport must step in and direct the RSA to increase the number of testers operating in the Tralee Test Centre to bring down the average waiting time,” said Deputy Brassil.

“I firmly believe that no one should be waiting longer than 12 weeks to secure a test time. It’s unfair and costing motorists with increased premiums.”