488. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to address the sharp increase in waiting times for driving tests at Loughrea driving test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62423/26]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driver Testing Service.

The latest information provided to me by the RSA indicates that, as of 22 August, the average waiting time for an invitation to book a driving test at the Loughrea test centre was 10-weeks. This is in line with the target 10-week service level agreement.

I am pleased that as of end June, the full sanctioned complement of 200 driver testers are employed by the RSA, which is a significant increase on the 151 testers available at the beginning of 2025 and a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022.

I would encourage learner drivers awaiting a test to monitor the driver testing booking system which makes available cancelled test slots for candidates to take up at short notice across the service.