Over 250 Cases Of People Not Turning Up To Their Driving Test Across The Midlands

Monday, 16 September 2024 at 11:09

The fees retained from no-shows in the region amounts to €15,000.

An Offaly driving instructor says motorists are opting to repeatedly renew their learner permits, instead of sitting a test.

It comes as new figures show more than 250 people have failed to show up for their scheduled test in the midlands in the first seven months of the year.

Westmeath saw the largest number of 'no-shows' in the region between January and July, at 113.

That's followed by 100 in Offaly, and 65 in Laois, according to analysis by the Irish Independent.

Fees retained as a result of no-shows in the midlands this year amount to more than €15,000.

Nationally, that figure is 4,847, with fees retained as a result of the no-shows amounting to more than €400,000.

Joe Wynne, of Wynne's School of Motoring in Tullamore, says around 27,000 drivers remain on a learner permit for between 11 to 20 years, with proof of booking a driving test required to renew.

He says says insurance companies have a role to play in getting a handle on the issue: