Sinn Féin has called on the Government to tackle the backlog in driving tests, with party spokesperson Pa Daly claiming there are currently 72,000 learner drivers waiting to take their test.
He said it was unacceptable that the average waiting time to take a test is now above the statutory maximum of ten weeks, with many people waiting six months to take the test and others over eight months.
"These delays cause great frustration in communities," Mr Daly said.
"They push up the costs of learning to drive and trap learner drivers in expensive insurance policies. For some, learning to drive now costs over €3,000."
He also accused the Government of failing to keep pace with increasing demand.
Mr Daly added that the over-reliance on temporary driving instructors must end, with an expedited recruitment process for permanent instructors.
"The unsatisfactory performance of the Road Safety Authority can't be ignored in all of these. Therefore, we are calling for an urgent review of the mandate, resourcing and programme of work," Mr Daly said.
He called on the Government to identify all the gaps in driving test centre locations and mandate the RSA and the Office of Public Works to fill them.
Meanwhile, Labour's transport spokesperson has said that anyone renewing their driver licence should have to resit the theory test.
Ciarán Ahern said there was definitely a case for refresher courses for drivers.
Read more: Covert filming reveals extent of 'dangerous' red-light breaking
Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien told the Dáil that the delays were unacceptable and for that reason, he would not oppose the Sinn Féin motion.
He said the operation of driving tests was in the control of the RSA but he would engage with the agency.
Mr O'Brien said 2024 was the busiest ever year for testing, with 275,000 tests requested and 250,000 delivered.
He said more testers are being hired and this has been sanctioned by the Government.
The minister said the RSA was also working on opening more centres in areas with the longest waiting lists.
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore said there should be sanctions and accountability for the RSA for not meeting its obligations under the service level agreement.
She suggested that the RSA should have to provide a test for free if it is not delivered within the ten-week target.
18,500 tests last month, with over half passing on average
Almost 18,500 driving tests took place all over the country last month.
Figures from the Central Statistics Office show the national average pass rate was 53.3%.
A detailed look at the data shows a marked variance between pass and failure rates at the country's 68 different test centres.
The lowest pass rate in the country was at Charlestown in Dublin at 31.5%, followed narrowly by Nenagh in Co Tipperary at 31.9% and Carlow at 37.5%.
Other centres with low pass rates included Killester in Dublin (38.9%), Newcastle West at 39.1% and Tallaght (40.8%).
The data shows the test centre with the highest pass rate in the country is in Thurles, Co. Tipperary at 74.4% followed by Monaghan at 72.4%, Kilrush in Co Clare at 66.1% and Birr, Co Offaly, 63.1%.
Other centres with a high percentage pass rate include: Clifden, Co Galway (65.4%), Gorey, Co. Wexford (62.4%) and Longford (58.6%).
There were a total of 253,850 driving tests booked in Ireland in 2024 – a total of 41,325 more than 2023.
The national average pass rate was 51.6% last year.
