Minister warns booking driving tests through third-party apps is creating a backlog

A Fianna Fáil TD said it is 'concerning' that third-party apps can charge 'extortionate' fees for a service that the RSA offers for free

The roads minister was responding to criticism of delays in driving test centres and concern over the closure of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) driving test centre in Raheny, Co. Dublin, next month despite waiting times of up to 29 weeks. File picture

The roads minister has urged the public not to book driving tests through third-party apps, saying they are contributing to the backlog that has blighted the system in recent years.

“The best way to get your appointment is through the RSA official appointments website,” Sean Canney told Newstalk’s Claire Byrne show.

Mr Canney was responding to criticism of delays in driving test centres and concern over the closure of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) driving test centre in Raheny, Co. Dublin, next month despite waiting times of up to 29 weeks.

It is important that the driving test system be co-ordinated by the RSA, “not vested interests”, which is why the public should make bookings for tests only through the RSA, he said.

“They're there to make money, they're not there to help you get service, and to be quite honest with you, I think they're disrupting the whole thing.” 

Mr Canney said he is satisfied “generally” with the work of the RSA.

Fianna Fáil TD John Connolly told RTÉ radio’s Today show that the decision to close the Raheny test centre seemed “strange” when there were so many people waiting and there were lengthy delays.

“There are long delays, they vary throughout the country. In Galway in particular it can be a nine- to 10-week delay in the city, but if you go to some of the provincial towns, Loughrea has a region of 16 weeks."

Mr Connolly called on the RSA to review its system for making cancelled tests available to other drivers. It is “concerning” that third-party apps can charge “extortionate” fees for a service that the RSA offers for free, he said.

“I would prefer if such services didn't exist and if the RSA could get on top of that, limit those third-party apps to make sure that those people who are waiting for a test can re-apply themselves on the RSA portal.” 

Mr Connolly warned that the RSA had advised him that if it becomes aware of anybody who had booked a test through a third-party app, it "will cancel it".