Industry Concerns Over Driver Testing Backlogs
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IHRA) has raised serious concerns about the current state of driver testing in Ireland, accusing the Road Safety Authority (RSA) of manipulating figures by reallocating testers between different categories. This move, according to the association, is creating a “crisis in the making” for the haulage industry.
Hauliers have reported significant increases in waiting times for commercial driving tests, particularly for articulated trucks, buses, and standard trucks. These delays are not only causing frustration but also threatening to stifle economic growth in rural areas. The backlog is also affecting bus drivers, who are facing extended wait times for their tests.
Junior Minister Seán Canney has acknowledged the issue and has instructed the RSA to address it as quickly as possible. He emphasized that no group should be neglected in favor of another, stating, “Under no circumstances are we to rob Peter to pay Paul.”
According to data from the IHRA, waiting lists for car driving tests decreased by 10% between April and June, while wait times for truck and articulated truck tests increased by approximately 40% during the same period. This stark contrast highlights the growing imbalance in the system.
Ger Hyland, president of the IHRA, criticized the RSA for what he described as a lack of real action. He said the authority was simply “moving the deck chairs around the Titanic” instead of addressing the high demand for testing. Hyland shared a specific example from a driving instructor in Kerry, who had not scheduled a commercial driving test in Tralee since May and expected to wait until at least August. The instructor expressed the devastating impact this delay is having on his business, with young drivers waiting since January for a test to secure jobs.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Hyland highlighted the aging workforce in the industry, noting that the average age of drivers is around 60 years. He explained that natural losses and retirements are exacerbating the problem, and the industry is struggling to attract younger people. When they do enter the sector, they face significant costs for driving lessons and tests, including hiring a lorry for the day of the test.
Junior Minister Seán Canney confirmed that the issue was brought to his attention last week. He mentioned that while driving test times have been reduced from 27 weeks to 14 weeks or less, his intention was never to sacrifice one group over another. He stressed that both lorry and bus drivers are essential to the economy, just like car drivers.
Hyland accused the RSA of prioritizing car testing at the expense of the commercial sector. He warned that without immediate action, the situation could severely impact the rural economy. Hyland called on the government to remove the driver testing system from the RSA, arguing that the organization is “not fit for purpose.”
He pointed out that the RSA has shifted the driving test crisis from cars to commercial vehicles, leading to severe backlogs for bus, HGV, and truck drivers. These drivers are crucial for transporting tourists, delivering goods, and keeping the economy running. Hyland claimed that the RSA has failed to learn from past mistakes and demonstrated that its organization is clearly unfit for its role.
The Road Safety Authority has been contacted for comment, but no official response has been provided yet.
