Driving test rush as 300,000 learners face sanction from next week

THE Road Safety Authority (RSA) is bracing itself for a rush of driving test applications over the next few weeks as more than 300,000 learner drivers face being put off the road if they continue to drive unaccompanied from July 1.

Gardaí are set to increase enforcement of the law that prohibits provisional licence holders from driving unaccompanied from next week when learner drivers will need to be supervised by a fully qualified driver with two years’ experience.

Although more than 48,000 driving tests are being held every month to meet an increased demand for full licences, figures from the RSA show the vast majority of learner permit holders will not have sat the test by the July 1 deadline.