Hauliers accuse RSA of 'massaging' driver testing figures
It accused the RSA of moving testers from articulated truck, bus and truck tests to car tests in order to reduce wait times for car driving tests, adding that waiting times for commercial driving tests have increased "exponentially".
Hauliers have said that this has caused the waiting lists for driving tests for a car to fall by 10% between April and June but has led to a "significant increase" in the wait times for truck (42%) and articulated truck (40%) tests during the same period.
The association has described it as a "crisis in the making" for the commercial driving industry.
IRHA president Ger Hyland said young Irish drivers who need a license to drive a bus, truck or HGV "cannot get licenses" because the RSA "have all but stopped commercial testing to focus on car testing."
He claimed that driving school owners have said commercial driving license testing in Ireland has all but stopped over the last two months.
"That means no new bus drivers, truck drivers, HGV drivers," he said.
Mr Hyland claimed the actions of the RSA are "stifling economic growth in rural Ireland by delaying the qualification of suitably qualified professional drivers who are desperately needed to support small and medium sized businesses across the country."
Number of applicants waiting for tests increased
According to figures provided by the Central Statistics Office to the association, there was a 27% increase in the number of driving test applicants waiting at month end for a test between June 2024 and June 2025.
Between April and June this year, the RSA recorded a 10% drop in the number of driving test applicants.
However, the number of applicants waiting for an articulated truck license test between April and June 2025 rose by 39.6%.
The number of applicants waiting at month end for a category C truck license driving test rose by 42% between April and June 2025, going from 907 to 1289 people.
The figures show a decrease in new driving test applications for category C truck licenses of 12.6% between April and June 2025.
It also recorded an 8.5% decrease for new category CE articulated truck tests between April and June 2025.
The CSO figures also show that the 'driving test applicants scheduled' for cars/light vans between April and June 2025 increased by 49.2% from 15,287 tests to 22,810 scheduled tests.
The number of scheduled tests for category C trucks fell by 61.8% from 356 to 136, while those for articulated trucks (CE license) fell by 69% from 242 tests scheduled in April 2025 to 75 tests in June.
IRHA call on Govt to remove testing from RSA
Mr Hyland claimed these figures coincide with a period where Minister of State Séan Canney met with the RSA leadership in the Department of Transport, giving a deadline to the RSA to return in two weeks with "sustainable proposals to improve driving test wait times".
The IRHA has called on Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien to remove the driver testing system from the RSA "before any more damage to the Irish economy is done".
"The RSA know that the car testing figures are what will garner more media and political focus. That is why they moved their resources there, at the expense of the commercial driving sector.
"They just moved the driving test crisis from cars to commercial vehicles, leading to severe backlogs in the testing system for bus, HGV and truck drivers," he said.
"These are the drivers we need to bring tourists around, deliver goods and keep our economy running. The RSA have learned nothing in the past six months and have demonstrated that their organisation is clearly not fit for purpose."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Jim Power: Budget countdown begins with big promises
The publication of the summer economic statement has set the budgetary process in motion, and the destination will be reached in early October. The two relevant ministers have outlined a budget package of €9.4bn, with a net tax package of €1.5bn, and an expenditure package of €7.9bn. This expenditure package will be comprised of current expenditure increases of €5.9bn or almost 75% of the total; and capital spending of €2bn or just over 25% of the total. Proposed Vat cut On the tax side, the Government has given a commitment to reduce the Vat rate for part of the hospitality sector — the food element — to 9% and this would cost around €580m in foregone taxes. If this is delivered and applies from January 1 next, it means that effectively less than €1bn would be available for personal tax changes. To put this in context, it is estimated that a 1% indexation of the employee tax credit would cost around €230m in a full year, so to index for projected inflation in 2026 would cost somewhere in the region of €460m; or a 1% decrease in the 40% tax rate would cost around €540m. If the government delivers the Vat cut from the beginning of 2026, which it has committed to, the tax package will be small. So not surprisingly, there are suggestions that the cut might be delayed until July, thereby significantly reducing the cost in 2026. If this transpires, the hospitality sector would have every right to be aggrieved. Restaurants and food businesses are the most crucial element of our tourism product, and many businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Inflation Data released by the CSO last week show that in 2024, Irish food prices are the third highest in the EU-27 and are 12% above the EU average. In the year to May, agricultural output prices increased by 20.7%, with cattle prices up by 48%. These prices obviously feed into restaurant input costs, but the pressures are compounded by labour costs, insurance, water charges, commercial rates etc. I am a supporter of the reduced Vat rate, and I think it is now more appropriate to provide some limited support to a key employer of people all over the country, and a vital part of the tourism offering, rather than to pump money through excessive expenditure into an economy that is still doing quite well. Does the Irish economic cycle need a continuation of out-of-control current expenditure now? I think not. Even if the Vat cut is pushed out, the extent of the easing of the personal tax burden will be miniscule. We should have learned from the past We should have learned our lessons from the pro-cyclical policies of the past. The summer economic statement projects planned expenditure of €108.7bn this year, which is €3.3bn higher than planned in Budget 2025, and it is likely to turn out even higher than this latest projection. Not surprisingly, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council is not happy and has justifiably accused the Government of 'poor planning and budgeting.' Obviously, the ability of the two ministers to deliver the proposed budgetary package, and indeed to deliver the ambitious, but detail lacking, revised National Development Plan, will be heavily contingent on the future performance of the economy, and especially the actions of Donald Trump. Downward creep in projections There is not a lot of detail in relation to economic assumptions in the summer economic statement, but it is interesting to note that for 2025 the Department of Finance is projecting growth of 2% in modified domestic demand (MDD), down from 2.5% in April, and 2.9% in Budget 2025 last October. For 2026, MDD is projected to grow by 1.8%, down from 2.8% in April, and 3% in Budget 2025. There is downward creep occurring in Ireland's economic projections, which seems logical in the context of Trump-induced uncertainty. In relation to the National Development Plan, it is quite amazing that we must await detail on the projected spend until close to budget time. What in the name of God has been happening since January? The aspirations outlined in the revised plan — such as energy, water, housing, transport infrastructure, and climate change — are difficult to argue with, but delivery on time and on budget will be essential. One hopes there will be greater control, transparency and accountability in relation to National Development Plan delivery than we have seen with major infrastructure projects such as the children's hospital and the infamous bicycle shed.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The incredible €3.7million home in Dublin City centre with indoor pool, spacious rooms and huge kitchen among perks
AN incredible four-bedroom home has just hit the market in Dublin City for €3.75 million – and it boasts an indoor pool, rooftop terraces and a home cinema. This state-of-the-art residence is located in Rathmimes, just off Swanville Place in Advertisement 7 The pad is located a walking distance from Dublin City Centre Credit: 7 And it is now on the Irish market for €3.75 million Credit: 7 It features spacious and luxurious interiors throughout Credit: 7 The home is one of the most desirable on the market Credit: Tucked discreetly behind secure gates, the home sits in the heart of Rathmines village with every possible amenity just a walking distance away. The terraced four-bed, four-bath The listing reads: 'A true showstopper - Solas is an intriguing A-Rated contemporary residence. 'It stands out at first glance with its contemporary architecture, sophisticated design and certain 'je ne sais quoi'.' Advertisement READ MORE IN MONEY Designed by award-winning The property includes a 14-metre swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room, a fully soundproofed cinema, a gym and several private terraces. Inside, there's underfloor heating throughout, zoned temperature controls, high-spec appliances and recessed LED lighting with smart dimming features. Advertisement MOST READ IN MONEY Exclusive Outside, there are three dedicated parking spaces, two of which are located within the courtyard. This incredible home offers a mix of privacy and city living, just a stroll from Rathmines and within walking distance to top-rated schools, cafes, supermarkets and Inside three bed family home on Irish market for €170k on 'generous site,' in 'desirable location' On the ground floor, you're greeted by a stunning entrance hall with walnut flooring, built-in storage, and lift access to every level. There are four spacious double bedrooms at this level, all featuring floor-to-ceiling glazing, recessed lights and direct access to private Advertisement The property's main bedroom is a large, light-filled space that features a built-in vanity, luxury ensuite and sliding doors opening to a secluded patio. SPECTACULAR LIVING SPACE Upstairs, the first floor opens into a breathtaking open-plan living, with a dining and kitchen area along with two separate terraces at either end. The sleek Bulthaup kitchen is kitted out with Gaggenau, Miele and AEG appliances, brushed steel countertops and a central island. Full-height glass walls run across the living area, with sliding doors leading to a rear sun terrace that's ideal for entertaining and includes outdoor lighting, sockets and a rear laneway entrance. Advertisement On the next level, there's a bright sunroom that can double as a home office, framed by glass on three sides with stunning views over Rathmines. LUXURIOUS BASEMENT LEVEL A wraparound terrace wraps the entire top floor and looks out over rooftops and the iconic 'Four-Faced Liar' clock tower. But it's the basement level that truly sets this property apart, with over 2,500 square feet of wellness and entertainment space. There's a home cinema room that's fully soundproofed and a heated 14-metre Advertisement There's also a gym, a fully equipped utility room, a guest WC and even a poolside kitchenette. The property is listed by Sherry FitzGerald on 7 The property is a four bedroom home Credit: 7 It features a large indoor swimming pool Credit: Advertisement 7 It also comes with a gym and sauna Credit:
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Summer days out bursting with fun' – Popular sweet brand drops kids pass saving Irish parents hundreds
A POPULAR sweet brand has dropped kids passes that will save Irish parents hundreds this summer. Rowntree is now offering major family discounts on a range of 2 Rowntree has dropped kids passes on summer activities Credit: Alamy 2 And it's set to save Irish parents hundreds of euro Credit: Getty Images A new survey by Rowntree's shows that 80 per cent of Irish parents see cost as the main barrier to keeping This follows a new partnership between Rowntree's and the Kids Pass app, which gives families access to discounts of up to 40 per cent on a wide range of activities. The offer is available through an on-pack promotion across all of Rowntree's READ MORE IN MONEY The research also shows that parents expressed concern about how to keep children engaged, with 75 per cent worried about their ability to plan enough activities. And another 65 per cent said the limited number of options in their area was a challenge. Despite this, the study finds that Spending is expected to add up quickly, with parents budgeting an average of €77 per child - and one in three will spend over €100. MOST READ IN MONEY Confectionery Marketing Manager at She said: 'With cost a concern and the busy pace of family life, we know that planning affordable, quality time together during the summer can be a challenge. We've outdone ourselves with this one' say Cadbury Ireland as they reveal new limited edition bar 'coming soon That's why we're delighted to team up with Kids Pass to offer a little extra support for families trying to make the most of the summer break. "Each Rowntree's sharing pack offers parents and guardians discounts at a huge number of locations across Ireland, helping everyone create memorable moments together this summer." Discounts are now available across participating packs in stores nationwide. It comes after In the Instagram video, the brand revealed the new limited edition Twirl White Dipped bar. NEW LIMITED EDITION BAR The original Twirl bar, first launched in They described their latest creation as having "fast-melting swirls" - just in time for According to Cadbury, you need to act fast to get this limited-edition bar. They said: "Something new is it won't be here forever." The company advised fans to keep their eyes peeled for its newest invention to hit the shops.
