Location counts when taking test

PASSING your driving test is often seen as one of life's major milestones.

- BY KEITH FALKINER

However, the stress and anxiety it can cause is always a major worry for those desperate to get off their learner permit.

Apart from the actual test itself, Ireland is still struggling with a chronic backlog of 68,000 driving tests, which can leave a wait time of up to seven months.

But canny motorists can relieve some of that weight off their shoulders by choosing the best locations in the country in which to take their test.

New research on behalf of Quote Devil has now rated testing centres around the country, and found that two in Co Galway are the best given their high pass rates and lower overall waiting times.

Loughrea has been crowned Ireland's best test centre. It boasts the second-highest pass rate in the country at almost 65% and is efficient in its service, with learners waiting just 14.5 weeks between applying and taking their test.