People seeking driving tests and NCTs are facing long delays because reduced workforce numbers, high levels of test appointment requests and challenges hiring staff are impacting waiting times.
New figures show people are waiting an average of 20 weeks before they get an invitation for a driving test, while NCT tests have an average waiting time of 27.3 days.
The figures obtained by RTÉ's This Week from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) show the 20-week average waiting time for driving test invites is 13 weeks longer than it was at the start of last year, when it was seven weeks.
Minister for State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers said the ongoing delays to NCTs are "totally unacceptable" and he described a "poor quality of service from Applus" who he said are failing to operate the service "as per the contract".
Speaking on RTÉ's This Week, he said he has instructed his officials to meet weekly with the Road Safety Authority to take measures to reduce delays and impose penalties on Applus.
"There is a dispute between Applus and the RSA on that. But we have triggered the contract mechanisms."
Presently, 58,946 people are waiting for an invite for a driving test, while a further 14,976 who have booked and are scheduled to sit a driving test over the next four weeks, according to RSA figures.
"After receiving an invite to book a test candidates will typically sit their driving test in four weeks," the RSA said in a statement.
A spokesperson said there were 4,284 driving tests each week and the no show rate is 2.7%.
For an NCT, the average waiting time is 27.3 days - down from 29 days last January but falling short of a 12-day waiting time target set for the end of May by the RSA.
It comes as 2,736 free tests were issued for NCTs. Last January, RTÉ's This Week revealed people are entitled to free NCTs if they cannot be offered an appointment within a 28-day period.
With a test costing €55 its estimated these free tests amounted to €150,000.
NCTS added 124 testers in 2022 to increase capacity and to compensate for losses in staff. However, 113 testers left the service during the same period.
To date in 2023, 23 testers have been added and a further 36 are planned for 24 April including "30 testers from the Philippines who have obtained work permits and are currently going through the procedures to obtain work visas.
"Recruitment will continue in May with an intake of more than 20 testers planned. All are fully qualified mechanics. All these additional resources will enable significant improvement at NCTS in the coming months with a return to normal service late June," an RSA spokesperson said.
The RSA said there "have been challenges to meeting increased demand" including a 28% increase in applications for a driving test in 2022; a significant increase in the number of learner permits issued across all age groups since mid-2021; reduced workforce owing to staff retirements and contracted staff reaching the end dates on their contracts; and a need for dedicated training of staff to conduct tests in higher categories so as to meet the demand for truck, bus and motorcycle tests.
"These have contributed to a significant extra demand for driving tests. The RSA is currently in discussions with the Department of Transport seeking sanction for additional resources. This is to meet current and future demand and allow us to meet the 10-week average wait time, agreed as part of our service level agreement with the Department," it said in a statement.
On NCT delays, the RSA said "the NCTS is facing challenges as they work to manage the extremely high demand for test appointments as well as difficulties recruiting due to the shortage of motor mechanics".
It added there is "ongoing proactive work to increase staff capacity at test centres including an extensive recruitment programme in Ireland and abroad, increased overtime and extended opening hours.
"Over the past two years, despite regular recruitment campaigns, NCTS has found it increasingly difficult to recruit sufficient qualified mechanics as vehicle inspectors, to meet the demand. This is an issue that has also affected the wider motor industry," said an RSA spokesperson.
The spokesperson added:" Customer no shows account for around 6.5% of the available testing capacity each week – around 2000 test slots. Customers are asked to let NCTS know if they cannot attend so that the slots may be allocated to others on the priority list."
"NCTS open slots well in advance to accommodate customers who may wish to plan early to confirm a test date. If a customer requires an appointment sooner than those available online, the system has the ability to allow customers place themselves on the priority list online.
"Customers may also be put on the priority list through the NCTS call centre if a suitable slot is not available. The option to add a vehicle to the priority list can be found during the booking process.
"Regrettably there is a longer delay than would have been in the past but the vast majority of customers on the priority list get an appointment within four weeks.
"The available appointments that customers see online only represent approximately one third of the actual appointments available for that time. NCTS will open the remaining two-thirds of appointments three weeks ahead when they finalise their schedules and have confirmed staff availability that week.
"Vehicle owners are encouraged to allow plenty of time to book their test. Cars may be tested up to 90 days in advance of the test due date without affecting the expiry date of the certificate issued. This system is in place to ensure all owners have sufficient time to have their vehicles successfully tested before the current certificate expires," added the RSA spokesperson.
Focus is on building capacity - Chambers
Minister Chambers said people can be assured that there will be improvements to average waiting times over the coming weeks because of increased recruitment and reduced demand.
"We expect a significant dent to be made and we have been told by the RSA by the end of June we will be back to an average wait time of 12 days."
The minister said there is concern that some people are currently driving with out-of-date NCT certs as a result of the delays but everything is being done to reduce the waiting times.
He said the focus is on building capacity and an additional 50 testers were employed recently and 55 more testers are undergoing training. He said they will begin work by the end of this month.
He said around 35,000 tests were carried out weekly in March.
"There has been some attrition and there is a broader issue across the Irish economy, across the European-wide economy on the availability of trained mechanics," he said.
He urged those to get on the priority test list and they should receive a test date within 28 days.
Regarding the waiting lists for driving tests he said he has instructed officials to prepare a business case on recruitment of additional testers and he expects to make an announcement on that in the coming weeks.
