Recent reports that the Road Safety Authority may be moving driving testers away from commercial vehicle exams have caused concern among haulier groups and trainers across Ireland. If true, the change could increase waiting times for HGV and bus tests and add pressure on driving schools, employers and learner drivers aiming for a commercial licence.
What the situation looks like
Hauliers have claimed that some RSA testers previously assigned to commercial vehicle testing have been reassigned, reducing capacity for HGV and bus examinations. Commercial driver testing already faces seasonal pressures and regional variation in availability. Test centres in busy areas such as Dublin, Cork and Limerick often have long waiting lists, and any reduction in tester availability risks making those waits longer.
For learner drivers and employers that depend on timely tests, the knock-on effects can be frustrating. Delays may disrupt training schedules, affect employment start dates for new drivers, and increase costs for companies who need drivers to be fully licenced quickly.
Why this matters for learner and professional drivers
The RSA is Ireland’s authority on driver testing and road safety, so changes to how testers are deployed matter at a national level. Commercial vehicle licences require not just practical driving tests but also medical checks, theory exams and, for many, periodic Driver CPC training. When practical test slots become scarce, it can slow the whole licensing pipeline.
On a local level, learners who are building experience on rural roads, the M50 or narrow country lanes know how valuable consistent access to a test date is. Employers may face staffing bottlenecks, particularly in the haulage and bus sectors, and training providers will need to manage course bookings and vehicle availability more carefully.
Potential impacts
- Longer waiting times for HGV and bus driving tests
- Increased pressure on driving schools to offer more mock tests and refresher lessons
- Delays to employment start dates for newly trained drivers
- Possible regional disparities, with rural test centres already limited in capacity
How learner drivers and trainers can respond
While the RSA and industry groups sort out tester allocations, there are practical steps learners and trainers can take to reduce disruption.
- Book early and be flexible – If you are preparing for a commercial test, book as soon as possible and consider travelling to a neighbouring centre for an earlier slot.
- Keep documentation ready – Ensure theory tests, medicals and learner permits are current to avoid last-minute setbacks.
- Use approved instructors and refresher sessions – Mock tests in a commercial vehicle can boost confidence and reduce the number of lessons needed before the test.
- Plan for weather – Irish weather can affect test schedules. Practise in wet and windy conditions, and be ready to adapt routes for rural or narrow roads.
- Consider off-peak slots – Early morning or midweek appointments sometimes have lower demand and can get you tested sooner.
- Stay informed – Keep an eye on RSA updates and local test centre announcements for changes to availability.
What trainers and employers should consider
Driving schools and hauliers may need to be proactive. That could mean scheduling more internal assessments, offering additional practice hours, or coordinating group bookings for Driver CPC modules so candidates can continue progressing even if practical tests are delayed.
Employers should also factor potential test delays into recruitment timelines. Where possible, offering conditional start dates or in-house training until a candidate receives their full licence can keep operations moving.
Keep communication open
It helps to maintain clear lines of communication between learner drivers, instructors and employers. Transparent expectations about timelines and contingency plans will reduce stress for everyone involved.
Conclusion
Reports that RSA testers are being moved away from commercial vehicle examinations are causing concern across the haulage and training sectors. While the full picture will depend on RSA decisions and how quickly any gaps are addressed, learner drivers and trainers can take practical steps to reduce disruption. Book early, keep paperwork up to date, use mock tests to stay sharp, and remain flexible about test locations and times.
Staying informed and planning ahead will help drivers navigate any backlog and get on the road with confidence. If you have questions about commercial vehicle training or need help preparing for your HGV test, contact us at Epic Driving School for guidance tailored to Irish roads and rules.
Source – https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiuAFBVV95cUxQV3I0Y1ZLR0hDUzNMSjVxSWYwZ29qbEstMENJMGFzWWVfRVFJdFJKSTNLa2ozWkJrN1hWV0FvVktGS0tTbGhEOVFoeW9ERVI3OV9jWU11bF9kdWxadThCdVJrME13SHplVEFaNXlLTmVsVV9NY0dhOFplcFlKVEVYc0hXVEwyd0pCQ3Z2Q1pzTEdEZVBrR3RCaHZkX3VOdmlQdWpReEtCOHB5Nm5zbzNJSWFSY05lcVI1