Driving test delays easing at Mullingar test centre

Shane King

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has reported significant progress in reducing waiting times for driving test invitations, with notable improvements seen at the Mullingar test centre.

As of last month, the waiting time for a Category B (car) driving test in Mullingar has dropped to 15 weeks, a sharp reduction from the 24-week wait recorded at the start of the year. The RSA said the improvement reflects its ongoing efforts to make the testing process more efficient and accessible.

New figures from the Central Statistics Office reveal that Mullingar's average driving test pass rate stands at 43.4% so far this year, nearly 10 percentage points below the national average of 53%.

Since January, a total of 1,973 driving tests have been completed at the Mullingar centre, with just 56 no-shows reported. Over the same period, 2,477 people have applied for a test at the site.

Nationally, the average waiting time to receive a test invitation has now fallen to 16.3 weeks, and the RSA says it remains on track to reduce this figure to 10 weeks by September 2025.

Commenting on the progress, RSA Chief Operations Officer Brendan Walsh said: "The significant reduction in waiting times so far demonstrates our commitment to delivering a more efficient, accessible testing system for all learner drivers. We know how important this milestone is, and we are determined to continue this momentum through the summer and into autumn,".

The RSA is urging learner drivers to arrive fully prepared on test day, stressing that thorough preparation not only boosts the chance of success but also enhances the overall efficiency of the testing system.

Mr Walsh added that achieving a full licence is a major step and comes with important responsibilities, encouraging candidates to embrace the process with focus and readiness.