1,300 driving tests delayed as testers meet on outsourcing

About 1,300 people due to take a driving test today have had their test cancelled. This is due to driving testers meeting in Athlone to discuss a Labour Court recommendation on outsourcing which, it is hoped, will reduce waiting times for tests significantly.

The Department of Transport said people due to take their test today were notified by post on Friday of the cancellations.

A spokeswoman said the department "apologies profusely, and we are aware this is a huge inconvenience".

She was hopeful, however, that the driving testers, who are members of the trade union Impact, would agree to the formula worked out by the Labour Court which would see 40,000 tests outsourced as a once-off measure to cut waiting times for tests.

She said the department had asked testers to hold today's meeting on a Saturday or in the afternoon to minimise disruption, but said "that wasn't suitable for them, it seems".

However, assistant general secretary of Impact Tom Hoare said tests were also carried out on Saturdays and up to 9pm so holding the meeting later or at the weekend would have made little difference. He also said the number of items on the agenda today meant an all-day meeting was needed.

He said while outsourcing in itself was the "central issue" there were further concerns about job security, the integrity of the test and whether a two-tier public/private system might emerge, the training of testers and road safety.

"A decision is to be taken on the totality of the Labour Court recommendation. If a decision goes against it there is no plan B."

He said there was an urgency about reaching a decision as an embargo on hiring outside testers runs only until the end of this month.

The Government hopes to reduce waiting times for driving tests. There are currently 140,000 people on the waiting list for a test.

The Department of Transport spokeswoman said about 70 tests would be done today by testers redeployed this year from the Department of Agriculture.

"I also understand a few tests will be carried out around Athlone in the morning before the meeting."

She said anyone who was due to take their test today would be offered an alternative date next month.