A total of 2,091 Galwegians are awaiting an appointment for a driver theory test, leading to a former mayor of the city to call for the introduction of fast-track remote testing.
Labour Galway City West councillor, Niall McNelis, said it is "vital" that remote theory testing be fast tracked to ease the "backlog and pressure" on those awaiting theory tests.
Cllr McNelis said the Galway figures highlight the need for action. "The longer we go without clearing this backlog, the harder it will be long term," he said. "The majority of these people are young and given public transport capacity limits, cannot be left to twist in the wind."
.
RSA to increase capacity in coming months
According to Declan Naughton, director of driver testing and licensing at the Road Safety Authority, there are 54,313 candidates across the State, currently booked with a confirmed appointment for a theory test between 6 March 2021 and 31 November 2021.
"The driver theory test does not operate a waiting list in the conventional sense," he said. "it offers appointment slots which are then taken up by eligible customers. The RSA will be working with the service to increase capacity in the coming months to make additional appointment slots available for those whose tests were cancelled during Covid19 Level 5 restrictions."
Driver theory tests can be booked via www.theorytest.ie
