Driving test delays in Cork have reached a critical point, with waiting times stretching to seven months or more.
The backlog is causing frustration for learner drivers, families, and driving instructors, with many claiming the system is failing to meet demand.
For some, the delays are more than an inconvenience—they’re a barrier to independence, a financial burden, and even a safety concern.
Darren Mullane, a driving instructor with Milan School of Motoring in Cork, describes the situation as unsustainable.
“At the moment, the waiting list for a driving test in Cork is seven months. That means if you apply today, you won’t even be invited to book a test until September, and the test itself might not happen until October or November."
Darren believes the delays are largely due to staffing issues within the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
“They keep hiring testers on temporary contracts and then letting them go. For example, in Wilton, we had just four testers last week, but the centre can handle up to 10. This backlog is not just about tests—it’s affecting lessons too. People finish their EDT lessons and then stop practicing because they don’t have a test date. By the time their test comes around, many have picked up bad habits or forgotten key skills. The failure rate is skyrocketing, and the standard of driving is dropping drastically. It’s a safety issue, plain and simple.”
Emma, a young mother from Cork, has experienced the impact of the delays first-hand. After passing her theory test in December 2022, she completed her required lessons, only to face repeated cancellations of her driving test.
“I’ve had three tests cancelled so far—each time, I get an email just 24 hours beforehand saying it’s been cancelled due to ‘unforeseen circumstances,’ with no real explanation."
The cancellations have come at a significant financial cost.
“Each time, I’ve had to pay for more lessons to stay sharp, because you pick up bad habits when you’re not practising regularly. I’ve spent over €1,300 on lessons, plus €80 each time I book the test. I’ve even had to pay for a second provisional licence because my first one expired while I was waiting. And now I’m terrified to drive anywhere on my own in case I get stopped, the car gets impounded, and my family is left without transport. It’s exhausting and infuriating.”
The RSA has acknowledged the delays and cancellations, citing unforeseen tester absences as a contributing factor.
In a statement, a spokesperson said:
“A small number of tests were cancelled recently due to illness or bereavement. Impacted candidates are reissued invites to book another slot, usually within a few days. Cork has been identified as a key area in our current recruitment process, and new testers will begin training in March to address the backlog.”
Local politicians have raised the issue in the Dáil, with TDs highlighting the strain on rural communities where public transport is limited.
Deputy Eoghan Kenny described the situation as “madness.”
“People in areas like Watergrasshill, Whitechurch, and Mourneabbey have no access to public transport and rely entirely on cars to get to work, college, or even hospital appointments. Asking someone from Cork to travel to Dublin or further afield for a test is absolute madness. A seven-month wait for a test is unacceptable and needs to be addressed urgently.”
Minister of State Jerry Buttimer has promised action, stating that recruitment efforts are underway to reduce wait times to the target of 10 weeks.
“The Government recognises the significant impact that long waiting times for driving tests are having on people across our country, particularly those residing in rural areas where public transport may be limited. Recruitment efforts are well advanced, and additional capacity will enter the system in the coming months."
