Government incompetence the only reason for driving test backlog

Government incompetence beggars belief. Why should people have to wait six months to take a driving test? It is simply a matter of employing more driving examiners; it cannot be difficult to recruit and train instructors. These delays have been ongoing for years.

Why should €10 million to pay for driving tests come from public money? It should come from the test fees. This is yet another hidden subsidy for motorists. Clearly, if politicians are serious about reducing the carnage on roads, then one-third of motorists would not be driving round unaccompanied without having passed a test.

However, we should not be too complacent about drivers who hold full licences — many received them without having passed a driving test, or took their test so long ago it is irrelevant. What is needed is re-testing every five or 10 years. This would also address the appalling ignorance of traffic law and lack of driving skill.