Key Summary:
In 2025, over 3,000 Irish learner drivers failed to turn up for their driving test, adding to long waiting times and leaving others stuck in the queue. But why are so many people missing their test appointments? From nerves and poor preparation to delays in getting lessons, there are plenty of reasons behind the surge in no-shows. In this blog, we’ll explore the real impact of missed driving tests in Ireland, why it matters for every learner on the road, and how planning ahead, including sorting car finance, can help you get motoring faster once you finally pass.
Driving Test Waiting Times in 2025
Why Are Learners Missing Their Driving Test?
The Knock-On Effect for Other Learners
How to Avoid Becoming a Driving Test No-Show
Life After the Test: Getting on the Road
Driving Test Waiting Times in 2025
According to the RSA (Road Safety Authority), the average waiting time for a driving test in Ireland is now 10 weeks, down from pandemic-era highs of 30+ weeks. That sounds like progress, but the reality is that some test centres, especially in busier urban areas like Dublin and Cork, still have waiting times of 15 weeks or more.
Over 3,000 driving test no-shows have already been reported in 2025. Every time someone skips their test, there’s another learner who misses out.
(Source: https://www.rte.ie/news/2025/0601/1516201-rsa-driving-test/)
Why Are Learners Missing Their Driving Test?
So, what’s behind this growing trend of missed appointments? Here are some of the main reasons:
- Test Nerves
Driving test anxiety is real. For many learners, nerves peak on the day, leading to cancellations at the last minute or simply not showing up.
- Lack of Preparation
If you haven’t had enough lessons or practice, it’s easy to lose confidence. Some learners book a test too early, then panic when the date comes around.
- Delays with EDT Lessons
The Essential Driver Training (EDT) programme requires 12 lessons with an RSA-approved instructor. Delays in booking instructors, especially in busy cities, mean some learners simply aren’t ready when the test rolls around.
- Cost Pressures
The cost of lessons, the €85 test fee, and insurance for practice driving can all add up. For some, finances are the reason for pulling out at the last minute.
- Scheduling Issues
Life happens, work shifts, college exams, and childcare. With test dates often allocated months in advance, clashing priorities lead to missed tests.
The Knock-On Effect for Other Learners
Every missed appointment is more than just one learner losing out. It means:
- Longer queues for others, especially in centres already under pressure.
- Delays to independence, for many, a driving licence is essential for work or education.
- Added stress on the system, forcing the RSA to juggle test slots and reschedule.
It’s frustrating, particularly if you’ve been waiting months, only to find your own slot pushed back because others didn’t show up.
How to Avoid Becoming a Driving Test No-Show
If you’ve got a test coming up, here’s how to avoid being part of the no-show statistics:
- Book lessons in advance so you’re test-ready when your slot arrives.
- Do a mock test with your instructor, it’s the best way to calm nerves.
- Plan your day, check the route to the test centre, leave early, and bring everything you need (licence, insurance, logbook).
- Budget ahead so the test fee and lessons don’t catch you off guard.
Preparation is everything! The better you plan, the less likely you are to panic or cancel.
Life After the Test: Getting on the Road
Passing your test is a huge milestone. But the journey doesn’t stop there; you’ll need a car you can rely on, insurance, tax, and a budget to cover it all.
That’s where finance comes in. At LM Operations, we work with trusted Irish dealers to help new drivers get behind the wheel without breaking the bank. Whether you’re eyeing up a small hatchback for city commutes or something bigger for family trips, we’ll help you:
- Spread the cost into affordable monthly payments
- Check eligibility in under 30 seconds
- Drive away sooner in a quality used car
Don’t Let Your Test Slot Go to Waste
Driving test no-shows are becoming a real problem in Ireland, with over 3,000 slots wasted in 2025 alone. But by planning ahead, managing nerves, and preparing properly, you can give yourself the best chance of success.
And when you do pass? That’s when the fun begins. With LM Operations, you’ll have support finding a used car finance deal that makes sense for your budget, so you can enjoy the freedom of the road without the stress. Get your new car budget now!
FAQs: Driving Test No-Shows in Ireland
What happens if I don’t show up for my driving test in Ireland?
If you don’t turn up for your driving test, your appointment is marked as a “no-show”. You’ll lose your test fee (currently €85) and will need to book and pay again for another slot. You’ll also go to the back of the queue, which means waiting several more weeks before you can reapply.
How many people missed their driving test in Ireland in 2025?
By mid-2025, more than 3,000 learner drivers in Ireland had missed their scheduled driving test. According to the RSA, this is a significant increase compared to previous years and is contributing to longer waiting lists for other learners.
How long is the waiting list for a driving test in Ireland?
The RSA aims for a 10-week average waiting time, but in reality, some test centres still have waits of up to 15 weeks or more in 2025. If you miss your test, you’ll need to reapply and wait again… sometimes months before you can sit another test.
Can I get a refund if I don’t show up for my test?
No. If you fail to attend your driving test in Ireland without notice, you will not receive a refund of the €85 test fee. The only way to avoid losing the fee is to cancel or reschedule in advance (the RSA usually requires at least 10 working days’ notice).
Why do so many learners miss their driving test?
The most common reasons include test nerves, lack of preparation, not completing all EDT lessons, scheduling conflicts, or financial pressures. In some cases, learners simply don’t feel ready by the time their slot arrives.
How can I prepare better for my driving test in Ireland?
To give yourself the best chance:
- Book your 12 EDT lessons early
- Do at least one mock test with your instructor
- Practise driving in different conditions (motorway, night, wet roads)
- Arrive early with all required documents (licence, insurance, logbook)
Good preparation reduces nerves and makes you far less likely to cancel or miss your appointment.
What should I do once I pass my driving test?
Once you pass, the next step is finding a car that suits your lifestyle and budget. Many new drivers in Ireland choose to finance a used car to keep upfront costs low. With LM Operations, you can check your eligibility in under 30 seconds and get a decision on the same day, and we’ll connect you with trusted dealers across Ireland so you can hit the road with confidence.