New Irish driving test centres & longer opening hours come in amid cut to wait times for 100k backlog

NEW driving test centres and more test slots have been announced to combat the huge backlog of potential new drivers waiting for a date.
The
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The government has tasked the RSA with fixing the backlog
Credit: Getty
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The RSA are opening new test centres and adding new hours
Credit: Getty
They have been tasked by the
A comprehensive action plan has been announced with multiple steps in place to tackle the ongoing issue.
It's hoped that results will be seen by September of this year.
The new measures include speeding of the training of new testers through the use of more training facilities and a new approach to training.
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There will also be expanded testing hours, meaning more time slots will be available.
Overtime bookings will be made available for weekday evenings, Saturdays, and bank holidays.
And tests will now take place between the hours of 7.25am until 7pm.
There will also be "targeted manual intervention" into the booking system.
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This will allow test invitations to be sent out to the areas where they are in highest demand.
And multiple new test centres are set to open in key areas to facilitate more examinations.
I'm an Irish driving instructor and here's what you have to do in order to apply for a licence
CONTINGENCY MEASURES
The new centres will bring the number of testing facilities in the country up to 60.
And the RSA have said that they are currently looking into contingency measures to deal with any future backlog.
Sam Waide, Chief Executive Officer at the RSA, said: 'We know how frustrating and disruptive these delays are - especially for people who need a licence for work, college, or caring responsibilities.
"I want to offer a sincere apology to everyone who has been affected.
SUPPORT THE EFFORT
"Our team has developed a focused, projection-based plan to improve availability and reduce wait times.
"Every part of the system is being mobilised to deliver for the public.
"The RSA will publish progress updates every fortnight via its website to ensure full transparency and public awareness as the plan advances."
He continued: 'We're asking customers to support the effort by cancelling early if they cannot attend, so that appointments can be offered to others.
"Every cancelled slot that's re-used helps us reduce the backlog faster.
"Also, we're urging customers to ensure they prepared for their test as over 4,000 tests so far this year couldn't be conducted for reasons such as vehicles without a valid NCT, Tax, Insurance or not deemed roadworthy."
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There's a backlog of 100K people waiting for tests
Credit: Getty

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