Driving Test Waiting Times 2025: What You Need to Know
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Are you preparing for your driving test in 2025? You’re not alone — and like many learner drivers in Ireland, you’re probably wondering how long you’ll be waiting. The good news is that driving test waiting times 2025 are improving. The not-so-good news is that many test centres are still experiencing backlogs and delays, especially in urban areas like Dublin and Cork.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explain the current situation, what the RSA is doing to speed things up, how long you can expect to wait at different test centres, and what practical steps you can take to shorten your waiting time and increase your chances of passing on the first attempt.
What Are the Current Driving Test Waiting Times in 2025?
As of July 2025, the national average waiting time for a driving test invitation in Ireland is around 16.3 weeks, down significantly from over 27 weeks in early spring (RSA.ie).
These waiting times refer to how long it takes to receive an invitation to book your test, not necessarily the actual date of the test itself. Once you receive the invitation, you can log in to the RSA portal and choose from the available dates at your chosen centre.
While this is a big improvement, waiting times still vary greatly by location. In high-demand areas, especially test centres in Dublin, waiting times can still reach 30–35 weeks, nearly double the national average.
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Test Centres with the Longest Waiting Times in 2025
According to data released by the RSA and reported by national media, some test centres are still experiencing very high waiting times:
- Tallaght Driving Test Route Waiting Time: Up to 35 weeks
- Dún Laoghaire Driving Test Route Waiting Time: Over 33 weeks
- Cork (Wilton) Driving Test Route Waiting Time: ~30 weeks
- Mullingar Driving Test Route Waiting Time: 25–28 weeks
- Naas Driving Test Route Waiting Time: 25–28 weeks
- Navan Driving Test Route Waiting Time: 25–28 weeks
The backlog is largely due to high population density, strong demand, and a shortage of trained testers has resulted in a mixture of the best and worst pass rates across the country. This is especially true for centres in and around Dublin. Dublin test centre pass rates mostly fall below the national average, with demand far outpacing available test slots.
Why Are Driving Test Waiting Times So High in 2025?
The reasons behind the long waiting times are multi-layered:
1. Backlog From Previous Years
COVID-era restrictions caused huge delays in testing. While things have improved, the ripple effects continue - thousands of learners were delayed in getting their EDT lessons and applying for tests.
2. Rapid Increase in Learner Drivers
2023 and 2024 saw a surge in learner permit applications. More young people are learning to drive than ever before, and this surge is overwhelming test centre capacity.
3. RSA Staffing Shortages
Until recently, the RSA was short on qualified testers. New testers take time to train and deploy, and staff attrition also slows down capacity.
4. High No-Show Rates
According to RSA reports, over 2,000 candidates per month are failing to turn up for their tests, contributing to inefficiencies and longer queues.
What Is the RSA Doing to Reduce Waiting Times in 2025?
To address the problem, the RSA has launched a nationwide Driving Test Action Plan. Here are the key steps they are taking:
➤ Hiring More Testers
The RSA plans to increase the number of driving testers to over 200 by the end of 2025. Many are already being deployed across priority centres.
➤ Extended Test Hours
Test centres are now operating evenings, weekends, and public holidays to maximise capacity.
➤ Manual Priority Booking System
The RSA introduced a system that prioritises invitations for candidates in areas with the longest wait times.
➤ Opening More Test Centres
Several temporary or mobile test centres are being added to ease the load on oversubscribed areas. By the end of 2025, there will be 60 active test centres nationwide, up from 52 in early 2024.
➤ Public Awareness Campaign
The RSA has also launched initiatives encouraging learners to cancel unwanted slots early and complete all Essential Driver Training (EDT) before applying, to reduce bottlenecks.
How to Check Your Own Driving Test Waiting Time in 2025
You can check your own estimated invitation time by logging in to the MyEDT RSA portal: RSA Driving Test Status & Wait Times
Make sure your:
- Learner permit is valid
- EDT sessions are completed and logged
- Application has been submitted with all information correct
The system will provide an estimate based on your chosen centre and current queue conditions.
Tips to Shorten Your Driving Test Waiting Time in 2025
Here are five ways to potentially reduce your waiting time and avoid getting stuck in the backlog:
1. Be Flexible With Test Centres
If you're willing to travel to a centre with lower demand, you may get a test much faster. Familiarise yourself with driving test routes in other areas, with smaller towns and rural areas often having shorter waits. For example, Finglas driving test routes and Limerick (Dockroad) driving test route centres currently offer relatively short waiting times.
2. Respond Quickly to Invitations
When your invitation arrives, log in and book your slot immediately. Delaying even 24 hours may mean losing access to the best times and dates.
3. Take a Pre-Test in a Quieter Area
If your driving instructor agrees, you could arrange to do your test at a centre known for less traffic and simpler routes, assuming your confidence and ability match the location. Also, be aware of the pass rates of your local test centre.
4. Cancel If You're Not Ready
Don't take the test if you haven't completed your EDT or feel unprepared. Cancelling in advance frees up the slot for others and keeps your name in the system without penalty.
Should You Delay Applying for Your Driving Test in 2025?
While waiting times are high, you should still apply as early as you're eligible. Waiting to apply just delays your place in the queue. Once you’ve:
- Held your learner permit for 6 months
- Completed all 12 EDT lessons
- Practised regularly with a qualified driver
You should apply immediately and monitor your invitation date.
Even if you’re not ready to take the test right away, being in the queue gives you flexibility to reschedule or defer if needed.
Final Thoughts on Driving Test Waiting Times 2025
The situation is improving, but challenges remain. The RSA has reduced average driving test waiting times in 2025 from over 27 weeks to around 16 weeks in just a few months, and they aim to bring that number down to 10 weeks by late 2025.
However, delays are still common in urban areas, so learner drivers must plan ahead, stay flexible, and prepare thoroughly.
By staying informed and proactive, you can reduce your own wait and give yourself the best chance of passing your test when the time comes.