Websites duping learner drivers
The RSA is claiming these third party sites, mostly based in Britain, are overcharging L-drivers in Ireland up to €200,000 annually by charging additional booking fees.
They have also raised concerns about personal information supplied to these sites, which operate outside Irish data protection laws.
The RSA has teamed up with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) to highlight the hidden costs and encourage students to only use official sites.
Figures from the RSA show 7,000 driver theory test candidates (one-in-eight) booked their theory test through these unofficial websites, paying an additional €23 on top of the theory test fee of €45.
As a result, the website operators are pocketing up to €160,000 annually. In addition, over 4,750 people who have applied for their driving test since July 2011 have also been affected, paying an additional €18 per booking, netting these sites over €73,000.
Declan Naughton, director of driver testing and licensing with the Road Safety Authority said: “We are really concerned that customers in Ireland are being ripped off by these websites who are charging customers up to €23 extra to book their theory or driving test for them.
“These so-called services are making a huge profit at the expense of unsuspecting customers who may not realise that they are paying a totally unnecessary extra cost to book their test. We want to remind customers that when they book their test through the official channels there are no hidden extras; they only pay the cost of the test itself. In addition, their data will be stored in accordance with Irish Data Protection Laws.”
He said the sites “fool” L-drivers into thinking they are booking on the official test booking websites.
“These unofficial websites advertise to book theory and driving tests online and customers are fooled into thinking that they are the official booking websites. The sites lure customers in by appearing official, using words associated with the driving and theory test and even using our name.”
The RSA has also warning learner drivers of the dangers of passing on their personal details, such as their PPS number and driver number, to these sites. While such information is required to book a test, it should only be provided when booking a theory test and driving test on the official RSA Driving Test application website www.rsa.ie and the official driver theory test website www.theorytest.ie where you will only be charged the cost of the test.
Denise McCarthy, deputy president of Union of Students of Ireland, said it was unacceptable that these websites try to trick learner drivers into paying an extra fee to book their test.
“Students are already under pressure with mounting college fees and expenses and we would urge all students to only book their tests through the RSA’s official channels. For many students, the additional booking charge of €20 can make a significant difference when relying on a grant or waiting for their next pay cheque.”
The RSA has highlighted the gathering of personal data by these unofficial websites to the Data Protection Commissioner. As these websites are outside of Irish jurisdiction, Irish agencies are unable to bring proceedings.
lTo book a driving test, which costs €85, visit the RSA’s application website, visit: www.rsa.ie
To book a driver theory test, which costs €45, visit the Theory Test application website at:
www.theorytest.ie
