RSA warns learner drivers tests booked through third-party platforms will be cancelled

The RSA said it was aware of third-party platforms and applications offering learner drivers quicker cancellation appointments.

The RSA has warned drivers tests booked through unauthorised third-party platforms will be cancelled as it works to limit the ability of websites offering quicker test access to its systems.

It comes as advertisements and apps targeting learner drivers are suggesting they can offer cancellation appointments “18 times faster” if booked through their third-party app rather than through the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

One application is charging €14.99 with the promise of faster tests, while another is charging €95. A third app is charging €9.99 a week and says it allows users to “track five locations simultaneously” and “get alerted the moment new slots become available”.

In response to queries from Independent TD Barry Heneghan, the RSA said it was aware of third-party platforms and applications offering learner drivers quicker cancellation appointments.

Brendan Walsh, chief operating officer at the RSA, warned the group would clamp down on these platforms.

“The Road Safety Authority is aware of some third-party applications that are purporting to offer driving test candidates cancelled appointments,” he said.

However, the only official site for booking of a driving test slot remains the RSA-operated MyRoadSafety portal and there have been no changes in this regard. The RSA is not affiliated with any such booking systems.

“The official RSA system has not been compromised. However, it would appear that some driving test customers are providing their log-in details to third parties which then enables those parties to see short notice available test slots [five days out]."

He said such sites or parties may not be secure. 

"The RSA do not charge any additional fee to customers availing of slots that become available at short notice," he said. "The RSA ICT department is working closely with our partners to ensure that such sites or third parties are restricted in their ability to operate with a view to limiting their ability to be able to access the booking portal.

“Where a person opts to book a test using a third-party app there is a high likelihood that this test will be cancelled.”

Mr Heneghan told the Irish Examiner he had been targeted by the advertisements on social media.

“I think it's wrong that people are allowing ads to be run on platforms that people deem to be trustable,” he said.

“People are always experiencing scams, but this does highlight that the RSA is looking at it, and they are aware of it. It's something that needs to be made very, very clear to the public that if you do book through one of these third-party apps, they won't go ahead.

“I think it's wrong that there are companies out there preying on vulnerable people desperate to get a driving test.”

Earlier this week, road safety minister Sean Canney confirmed 35 out of 57 driving test centres across the country were now inviting learner drivers to book tests within 10 weeks of applying.