More than 2,000 people waiting to do their driving test in Waterford

The average number of people on a waiting list for a driving test in Waterford in 2025 was 2,204, and the average waiting time for a test was 13 weeks. The overall number was 26,450. 

In 2025, there were six driver testers employed at the test centre in Waterford. This is compared to eight employed in Dundalk and just one driving tester in Carlow.

The national average wait time for a test was 10 weeks in December, which is a marked improvement from April’s average wait time of 27 weeks. However, Waterford is still above the national average with a 13-week waiting period.

Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness raised this issue in the Dáil this week asking the Minister for Transport how he plans to reduce the waiting period for driving tests.

Minister for Transport Seán Canney responded: “In September 2024, my Department conveyed sanction for 70 additional driver testing posts on a permanent basis, bringing the permanent sanction to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022. 

"At the end of December, 196 testers were in place, which marks a significant increase on the 151 available at the beginning of 2025. 

"The RSA is working to reach its full complement of 200 testers and I am informed that it is planning to have 200 testers in place by February this year, subject to a successful recruitment campaign."

In addition, the RSA has indicated that overtime and bank holiday testing will continue in 2026. This will also allow the RSA to mitigate the impact on testing during winter months as a result of shorter days and inclement weather. 

Minister Canney also advised people on waiting lists to check the cancellation channel as slots will be made available there.

In December 2025, the pass rate in Waterford was 44.4%. A total of 492 tests were conducted, and 25 people failed to attend their scheduled test.