New figures from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have shown that Laois has one of the longest wait times for driving tests nationally.

In July of 2025, Laois learner drivers were waiting an average of 17 weeks to sit their driving test.

The counties with the longest wait times were; Meath (20 weeks); Waterford (19.5 weeks); Longford (19 weeks); Dublin (18.5 weeks); Cork (18 weeks) and Laois, (17 weeks).

Laois has the sixth highest wait time for driving tests in Ireland

The county with the quickest turn around of driving tests is Sligo, with an average seven week wait time.

The counties with the lowest wait times were; Sligo (7 weeks); Roscommon (9 weeks); Carlow (9.5 weeks); Mayo (9.5 weeks); Wexford (10 weeks) and Cavan (10 weeks).

In February of 2025, it was reported by the Leinster Express / Laois Live that there were 6,657 learner permit holders in Laois, with an 'unprecedented' demand for tests in the county. There are two RSA driving test centres in the county, both located in Portlaoise.

While Laois currently has one of the highest wait times nationally, there has been a reduction in wait times over the past three months.

In June, the wait for driving tests in Laois stood at 18 weeks, and at 19 weeks in May. Shockingly, in April this figure stood at 26 weeks. 

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed latest figures showing that the national average waiting time for a driving test has now reduced to 13.5 weeks, down from 27 weeks at the end of April.

On May 1, Minister Canney directed the Road Safety Authority to put a plan in place to bring waiting times back to acceptable levels, and to report every two weeks on progress towards this goal.

The RSA report for the week ending August 8^th shows that the average wait time has reduced to 13.5 weeks, ahead of the 16 week target for this time period agreed between the RSA and Minister Canney.

"This is encouraging progress and a clear sign that the measures put in place are delivering results," Minister Canney said.

"I remain fully committed to ensuring the RSA meets its target of returning to a Service Level Agreement of 10 weeks by September."

The Minister noted that 16 test centres are now at or below the 10-week target — an increase of six centres since the previous update.

The opening of two new test centres in Sandyford and Drogheda next month is expected to provide an immediate boost to capacity, particularly in some of the busiest locations, including Tallaght, Dún Laoghaire, and Navan, where waiting times have already halved since earlier this year.

The RSA currently has 181 fully trained testers, with 15 new recruits completing training and due to join the booking schedule this month. A further training programme will take place in September to bring the number of testers up to its full sanctioned complement of 200.

"Reducing driving test waiting times is a priority for me. A timely and efficient driver testing service is vital not just for road safety, but also for people’s access to work, education, and daily life. I will continue to work closely with the RSA to ensure these targets are met and maintained," Minister Canney concluded.

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