Shocking new figures from the Road Safety Authority show that the failure rate across almost all of the driving test centres in Dublin is above 50%.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson John Lahart obtained the information which shows Raheny's fail rate soaring to over 60% in 2018.
Deputy Lahart was surprised to learn that the failure rate in the county was so high despite the introduction of the mandatory 12 lessons that motorists must complete before doing the test.
He said: “I sought information on the failure rate of each of the seven test centres since 2014 and in all but one year the failure rate for all seven centres was above 50%. In one centre the failure rate soared from 55% in 2017 to 61.2% in 2018.
“I understand that there can be many reasons why it is harder to pass a test in a certain area, perhaps due to higher traffic volumes, more pedestrians and in general more challenges to contend with, but I would query why the rate of failure is continuing to rise when people are now obliged to take 12 lessons."
He added: “After taking a driver theory test which costs 45 euro, a person must take 12 one-hour lessons with a certified instructor which, depending on where you are, can cost upwards of 500 euro.
"It’s a significant expense, and I am not surprised that it is leading to people taking their tests in their late 20’s and early 30’s when they are better able to afford it."
The below figures were obtained by Deputy Lahart after he asked the Minister for Transport for the "failure rate in each driver test centre in Dublin in each of the years 2014-2018".
Churchtown
- 2016 - 57.6%
- 2017 - 55.6%
- 2018 - 57.1%
Finglas
- 2014 - 52.5%
- 2015 - 50.6%
- 2016 - 50%
- 2017 - 53.9%
- 2018 - 54.2%
Mulhuddart - opened 3 December 2018
- 2018 - 50.5%
Raheny
2014 - 52.9%
2015 - 51.5%
2016 - 53.5%
2017 - 55%
2018 - 61.2%
Rathgar - closed 15 January 2016
2014 -56.1%
2015 - 57.1%
2016 - 52.6%
Tallaght
2014 - 53.9%
2015 - 53.3%
2016 - 54.8%
2017 - 52.8%
2018 - 49.9%
