70 new driver testers to be hired by RSA

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and the Minister of State with responsibility for road safety, James Lawless, has announced approval for 70 additional permanent driver testers to be hired by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

This will bring the potential total number of testers employed on a permanent basis to 200. This is an increase of over 50 per cent from the previous sanction of 130 permanent posts, to address the current backlog in the Driver Testing Service.

The testers will be recruited through open competition, and it is expected that the first tranche of new testers will be trained and ready to work from March 2025. With these new testers in place, customers will see improvements in their waiting times and the RSA expect to be able to meet service demand later in 2025.

Applications for the competition will be accepted online. The RSA will hold an open day for potential applicants in a Dublin Driving Test Centre on Saturday 28th September.

Minister Ryan said, “the RSA has increased the number of driver tests delivered this year by 30%, however this has not been enough to meet the unprecedented demand driven by our continued growth as a country.”

“The current backlog is not fair to learner drivers – particularly younger drivers who have been extremely patient – and it is not good for the RSA itself which wants to ensure that there is a seamless progression from driving lessons to certification for road users. We sanctioned 75 new temporary testers previously and now I am delighted to confirm that we are sanctioning 70 additional permanent driver testers which will enable the RSA to really put a dent in the backlog, addressing the issue of long waiting times and also allowing them to address the issue of multiple learner permits.”

Minister of State Lawless said “driver testers play a crucial part in road safety, ensuring that learners meet the necessary standard to drive responsibly. Recruiting more permanent driver testers will tackle the issue of long waits for a test, benefitting not only learners but all drivers across the country.”

“I encourage those with the necessary skills and commitment to consider applying for one of these important roles.”

Sam Waide, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, welcomed the move:

“This is a very positive development. The RSA has consistently highlighted the need for more permanent driver testers. It will go a long way towards addressing the challenges we have experienced in meeting increases in demand for driving tests over the past two years.  Our analysis shows that high demand levels for tests will continue over the coming years.”

The application period will run from Thursday 19 September to 3.00pm on Thursday 10 October 2024. Visit the RSA public careers page for details.

Once the recruitment process is complete, training will commence with successful candidates and new driver testers will begin testing in March 2025.