'Keep a close eye': Over 9,000 fail to show for driving test as wait times reach 12 weeks again
The figure comes as wait times for tests have reached the 12-week mark again
A road safety group founder has expressed how the government need to "keep a close eye" on people after over 9,000 no-shows for driving tests were recorded.
The figure comes as wait times for tests have reached the 12-week mark again, according to the Irish Independent.
Figures supplied to the road safety group Parc show that 9,193 people failed to present for their driving test last year.
This resulted in €800,000 being paid to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in application fees.
The figure comes amid climbing wait times for driving tests, with learners now waiting for 12 weeks or more for a test.
"They managed to bring the average down last year from 27 weeks to 10 weeks, even with all the no-shows. How were they able to do that and now the waiting time is rising again? The minister has to keep a close eye on this. He has to take charge of this again," Parc founder, Susan Gray said.
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In terms of the no-shows, it is suspected that this was down to a loophole that allowed drivers to renew their permit as long as they showed that they had applied for a driving test.
However, this has now been closed and from November 1st, drivers will not be able to get a third or fourth learner permit unless they have taken a driving test within the previous two years
It is hoped that this measure will reduce the number of people not showing up for a test.