The increase comes amid issues with long waiting lists.
At the end of February there were 8,043 learner drivers waiting for a test across Cork, with 5,024 waiting on a test in Wilton; 1,703 in the Mallow centre; 919 in Skibbereen, and 397 in Ballincollig.
According to the RSA website as of this morning the current estimated driving test date in Wilton is November 10th, October 27th for Mallow and October 6th for Skibbereen.
In a parliamentary question, Cork North West TD John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport how his Department was tackling the issue of the 'unacceptable' waiting times for learners in Cork.
In response, Minister Darragh O’Brien confirmed that the recruitment process for new testers is well underway, with the first group of recruits having recently commenced their training.
Cork is set to see a significant benefit from this initiative, with the number of testers in the county expected to double by the end of April 2025, once the initial tranche of trainees has completed their training.
