Laois driving test waiting times reduced

The average waiting time to be invited for a driving test appointment in Laois has fallen to just over 16 weeks, according to the Road Safety Authority (RSA). 

This compares to a five month wait for an appointment for a driving test for a car at the beginning of the year at the Portlaoise test centre.  The RSA had vowed to slash waiting times across the country with additional staff being rolled out to tackle delays. 

A learner driver in Laois applying for a driving test can expect an invitation by October 27, 2025 if they apply today. 
At the end of April 2025, the national average waiting time for an invitation to book a driver test stood at 27 weeks.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety, Séan Canney said the goal remains to reduce the waiting time to a maximum of ten weeks by September 2025.

The report also showed that 18 additional testers will begin conducting driving tests this week, followed by a further 12 in two weeks’ time. This additional capacity means that progress should continue or further accelerate over the summer months. The RSA expects to have its full sanction of 200 driver testers in place by September.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “This is a substantial reduction in driving test waiting times since the high of 27 weeks at the end of April. I welcome the engagement of Minister Canney with the RSA on this issue, and the benefit it has brought to those most affected by long waiting times.”

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Minister Canney said: “I am happy to see this positive progress towards reducing driving test waiting times. I am acutely aware of the frustration felt by those eager to sit their tests, and remain determined that we return to the maximum ten-week waiting time as soon as possible.

“This report shows that we are making headway towards the target. I thank the testers, support staff and the team at the RSA for the hard work it has taken to get to this point, and I look forward to further meaningful progress.”