Driving Test Costs in Ireland Set to Rise in 2024
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Get ready to dig a little deeper into your pockets if you’re planning to get your driving licence in Ireland. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has announced a series of price increases for driving-related services that will take effect from January 1st, 2024. The agency cited essential business planning, including €18 million allocated to public interest activities and government priorities, as the reason for the hikes.
This marks the frist price adjustment for these services as 2012, with some fees unchanged since 2011.
The cost of a driving licence will increase from €55 to €65,while a learner permit will see a jump from €35 to €45. An NCT (National Car Test) will rise from €55 to €60, and a re-test will experience the sharpest incline, going from €28 to €40.
Jerry Dwyer, from Dwyers Driving School in Cork, expressed concerns about the cumulative effect of these increases. “The increases themselves are marginal enough, but if you add them into the whole process – doing 12 lessons, a theory test, a driving test, insurance – itS a very expensive process already without adding this in,” he told The Echo.
Dwyer also highlighted the ongoing challenges of lengthy waiting times for driving tests. After a brief period of improvement, the waiting list has climbed back up to four to five months. He believes a solution lies in providing more driving testers with permanent positions to address the backlog.
“There’s 65,000 people leaving school every year, on top of people coming in from other countries and those who do their test older, so it’s [demand] totally consistent — I’ve just finished lessons with two doctors in Cork and now they have to wait for a test before they can drive to work.”
Dwyer pointed out that the current system inadvertently disadvantages those new to the country. “The biggest problem with the whole system is that it’s geared towards 17-year-old Mary and Johnny, who live at home with their parents and they can borrow their car,” he explained.
“It’s not geared towards 80% of the people on my books — from different countries or just different counties in Ireland who don’t have access to a car to practice on.They go down that route of trying to do loads of lessons but that’s very expensive, and lessons are never a substitute for actual practice, so it’s harder to pass your test.”
rising Driving Test Costs in Ireland: A Conversation with Jerry Dwyer
Driving test fees in Ireland are set to increase in 2024, prompting concerns about affordability and accessibility. We spoke with jerry Dwyer, owner of Dwyer’s Driving School in Cork, to get his perspective on these changes and their impact on aspiring drivers.
The Price Hike: Cause for Concern?
**Archyde:** Mr. Dwyer, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has announced price increases for various driving-related services, citing essential business planning and public interest activities. How do these increases affect your students?
**Jerry Dwyer:** While the individual increases might seem relatively small, they add up, especially when you consider the entire process.Lessons, theory tests, the driving test itself, and insurance – it’s already an expensive endeavor, and these hikes only make it tougher, particularly for those with limited financial resources. [ [1](https://www.archyde.com/driving-test-costs-ireland/) ]
waiting Times: A Lingering Issue
**Archyde:** We’ve heard reports of lengthy waiting times for driving tests. Has this been your experience?
**Jerry Dwyer:** Absolutely. Waiting times haveUnfortunately crept back up to four to five months. This backlog puts a strain on everyone – students eager to get their licenses, testers who are stretched thin, and driving schools trying to accommodate everyone.
We need more permanent driving testers to address this issue effectively.
A System in Need of Revision?
**Archyde:** The RSA’s pricing structure seems to disadvantage individuals without access to their own vehicles for practice. What are your thoughts on this?
**Jerry Dwyer:** The system is demonstrably geared towards young people who live at home and can borrow their parents’ cars for practice. Many of my students are newcomers to Ireland, from different countries or provinces, and lack access to a car. They end up relying heavily on lessons, which are expensive and can’t fully replace the valuable experience gained through independent practice. This makes passing the test significantly harder for them.
The Reader’s Role:
**Archyde:** What steps can be taken to make the driving licensing process more accessible and equitable for all?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Share your experiences, suggestions, and perspectives on how we can improve the system for everyone.
## Rising driving Test Costs in Ireland: A Conversation with Jerry Dwyer
**(Archyde)**
Hello everyone, and welcome to Archyde! today, we’re diving into a topic that’s sure to hit close to home for many: the rising cost of driving tests in Ireland. Joining us to offer his expertise is Jerry Dwyer, owner of dwyers Driving School in Cork and a seasoned voice on the challenges facing aspiring drivers. Jerry, thanks for joining us.
**(Jerry Dwyer)**
My pleasure.
**(Archyde)**
Let’s start with the headlines. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has announced a series of price increases for driving-related services come January 1st, 2024. Many fees haven’t changed since 2011 or 2012.what’s your initial reaction to these increases?
**(Jerry Dwyer)**
Well, even though they may seem small individually, they certainly add up. Consider this:** the increasing cost of lessons, theory tests, insurance, and now these new fees – it makes getting your license incredibly expensive. For many, particularly young people, it can be a real financial strain.
**(Archyde)**
The RSA cites “essential business planning” and public interest activities as reasons for the increases. How would you assess the timing of these increases, especially given the ongoing cost of living crisis?
**(Jerry Dwyer)**
I think it’s poorly timed, to be honest.We’re already seeing people struggle with rising costs across the board, and this just adds another burden. The system needs to be accessible, not a privilege only for those who can afford it.
**(Archyde)**
One issue that has been bubbling for some time is the lengthy waiting time for driving tests. We’ve seen some recent improvements, but it truly seems waiting lists are back on the rise. What’s your perspective on the current testing backlog?
**(Jerry Dwyer)**
It’s frustrating,to say the least. We have a constant stream of eager students,some who even need to drive for work,like the two doctors I recently finished lessons with. They have to wait for months to finally take their test.
**(Archyde)**
What do you think are the root causes of these long waiting times?
**(jerry Dwyer)**
It’s primarily a shortage of driving testers. We need more permanent positions to address this backlog. Relying on temporary testers doesn’t provide the necessary stability and consistency.
**(archyde)**
You’ve previously spoken about how the current system disadvantages those who are new to the country. Can you elaborate on that?
**(Jerry Dwyer)**
Many of my students are immigrants or people who’ve recently moved to Ireland from other counties. They frequently enough don’t have access to their own car for practice, which makes self-reliant driving practice nearly impossible. This pushes them to rely solely on driving lessons, which are expensive, and they frequently enough have difficulty passing the test without adequate practice.
**(Archyde)**
it sounds like we need a system that’s more inclusive and affordable for everyone. What changes would you like to see implemented?
**(Jerry Dwyer)**
We need more driving testers, more reasonable waiting times, and a greater understanding of the unique challenges faced by those who don’t have access to their own vehicle for practice.Accessible and affordable driving instruction should be a priority for everyone.
**(Archyde)**
Thank you, Jerry, for sharing your insights with us. This is clearly an issue that needs further discussion and action. To our viewers, what are your thoughts on the rising costs of driving tests in Ireland? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
**(End Interview)**
