Waterford gets poor score for driving test rates

Data has revealed that Waterford has one of the worst pass rates for driving tests in the country.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) provided the information to Waterford TD Marc Ó'Cathasaigh in response to a parliamentary question.

In the first 6 months of 2024, the pass rate for drivers at Waterford's test centre was 42.8%.

There was little improvement in pass rates across the South East.

The pass rate in Dungarvan was 46.9%, Tipperary Town's rate was 46.7%, and 48.7% in Wexford. 

In Kilkenny, O'Loughlin Gael reported a high pass rate of 68.4%.

Currently, a test costs €85 to book and drivers have to wait 3-4 months to sit their test. 

Learner drivers are not to permitted to drive without an accompanying fully licensed driver. 

Thus, many learner drivers have to pay for lessons, even beyond the required 12 lessons with an approved instructor, to maintain competency.