590 people are waiting for driving tests in Roscommon, with a further 691 on a waiting list in Athlone, and 434 more in Carrick-on-Shannon. These figures are up to date as of 10th of June last.
Driving instruction and testing has been on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and there is growing concern over the backlog.
Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane is calling on outgoing Minister for Transport Shane Ross to publish plans for a return of driving tests. She says that nationwide, there are 55,000 people on the waiting list.
Deputy Kerrane, who recently acquired the figures from the Road Safety Authority, says the numbers waiting have “skyrocketed”.
She added: “There is now an urgent need for clear plans as to how driving lessons and driving tests can be reintroduced in a safe manner. Perspex dividing screens, PPE for instructors and testers and shorter driving routes all need to be examined”.
Deputy Kerrane told the Roscommon People: “By now, driving instructors, examiners and their unions should have been consulted along with the Road Safety Authority and the Department of Transport. We now need a plan on how we get over 55,000 people through their driving test”.
