There are currently 66,000 people on waiting lists.
Sinn Fein is calling for urgent action to tackle the rising number of driving test applications.
It's transport spokesperson, TD Pa Daly, says despite assurances the test backlog was being tackled, figures show the problem is heading in the wrong direction.
Nationally there are 66,000 people on a waiting list, up from 60,000 in January.
Deputy Daly is pointing to Athlone as one of 12 centres around the country where driving test wait times are on the rise.
Currently, it takes 11 weeks from application to be offered an invitation to book a test there.
Elsewhere in the Midlands, it's seven weeks in Birr, 11 weeks in Mullingar, 12 weeks in Tullamore, while people booking a test in Portlaoise have to wait an estimated 13 weeks before receiving an invitation.
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