Motorcycle test booking bots
Deputy Farrell raised the use of third-party apps and bots to grab motorcycle driving test cancellations for a fee. The Tánaiste said the practice should be stopped and he would raise it with the Transport Minister.
We know the application system for driving tests can be a disaster. An issue not raised as much is motorcyclists applying for tests. There is a major waiting list and people are told to monitor the site for a cancellation. There is a new practice where third-party sites and apps, for a fee, use bots and book up the cancellations. This places normal applicants at a disadvantage. It means some people fork out more money just to be in with a chance. This may not have been raised with the Tánaiste before. If it has not, will he speak to the Minister for Transport about it? If this practice is happening, it needs to be stopped.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for bringing this to my attention. I was not aware of it but it needs to be stopped. There are enough challenges for people trying to get these tests without somebody gaming the system and exploiting people looking for a test. I will raise it in the first instance with the Minister for Transport.