Waterford Driving Test Crisis as Learner Driver Numbers Surge Past 11,000

More than 11,000 learner drivers are currently on the roads in Waterford, highlighting what many are calling a growing crisis in Ireland’s driver testing system. New figures released by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have renewed concerns about long waiting times for the Irish driving test and the wider impact on road safety nationwide.

Learner Driver Numbers Continue to Rise in Waterford

According to the latest RSA data, 11,247 learner permit holders are now driving on Waterford roads. This mirrors a national trend, with 394,128 learner permit holders recorded across Ireland at the end of September 2025.

That national figure represents an increase of 12,257 learner drivers in just six months, underlining the mounting pressure on the RSA driving test system and its ability to meet demand. This pressure is further mounted with talks of potential driving tester strike action in recent months. 

Age Breakdown of Learner Drivers in Waterford

RSA figures reveal a wide age spread among learner drivers in Waterford:

• 2,653 learners aged 17–20
• 2,562 learners aged 30–39
• 77 learners aged 70–79
• 14 learners aged over 80

The data shows that learner drivers are not limited to younger age groups, further increasing the need for a well-functioning and timely Waterford RSA driving test routes system.

Industry Leaders Criticise RSA Management

Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) President Ger Hyland strongly criticised the handling of driver testing in Ireland, describing the situation as “a mess”.

“To have 394,128 inexperienced drivers on our roads is a testament to the failure of the Road Safety Authority and their mismanagement of our driver testing system,” he said.

Hyland also pointed to what he described as “creative accounting” in official testing figures, arguing that delays to the Irish driving test are contributing directly to unsafe driving conditions and extended driving test wait times.

Learner Drivers and Enforcement Figures

Garda enforcement data adds to the concern. In the first three months of 2025, Gardaí issued 2,754 fixed charge notices to learner drivers caught driving without a fully licensed accompanying driver.

This represents a 9.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024, suggesting that extended waiting times for the RSA driving test may be encouraging risky or illegal driving behaviour.

What This Means for Learner Drivers

For learner drivers in Waterford and across Ireland, the figures underline a system under strain. Long waits for the Irish driving test can lead to:

• Extended time driving on learner permits
• Increased enforcement penalties
• Higher insurance costs
• Greater road safety risks

As pressure continues to build on the RSA driving test system, calls for reform and increased testing capacity are likely to grow louder in the months ahead.