Seven-month waiting list for driving test in Leitrim

According to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) website, there are currently 72,000 people waiting for a driving test across Ireland, with some facing delays of up to eight months.

In Sligo, the current waiting time is seven months, while in Leitrim, it stands at six months. These delays have led to mounting frustration, particularly in rural areas where public transport options are limited.

Sinn Féin TD for Sligo, Leitrim, and South Donegal, Martin Kenny, has called for urgent action, arguing that the Government has failed to tackle the backlog despite repeated assurances.

“We have been promised time and again that these delays would be addressed, but the reality is that waiting times are only getting worse," he said. "If I were to apply for a driving test today in Sligo, I wouldn’t get a date for seven months. In Leitrim, it would be six months.”

The long waiting lists are having a significant impact on people’s daily lives, particularly those who depend on a car to commute to work, attend medical appointments, or travel to college. Many students, unable to secure accommodation near their universities, are forced to commute from home but are left stranded due to the delays. Others, including essential workers, face difficulties getting to their jobs without a full licence.

One case highlighted involved a doctor returning from the U.S. who was unable to transfer his licence to an Irish one. As a result, he was forced to take taxis to the hospital when on call, as he could not drive on a learner permit without a fully licensed driver accompanying him.

There have been growing calls for the Government to implement a clear plan to reduce waiting times to the statutory maximum of 10 weeks. Proposals include hiring additional permanent driving instructors and reducing reliance on temporary staff.

With tens of thousands of people stuck in limbo, there is increasing pressure on the Government to act swiftly and resolve the backlog before the situation worsens.

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