Learner drivers left waiting at test centre

A LARGE group of people who turned up to take driver theory tests in Navan on Saturday morning were angry when the centre failed to open.

A young Navan man who was due to take a test at 9am waited until 11.30am – without the centre opening.

James Madden said he was there at 8.30am as he had been informed when making his appointment he must be there half an hour before his test time, or he wouldn't be admitted.

“There was nobody there. It never opened up,” he said.

Luckily, James managed to get another appointment for Tuesday morning, passed the test and is now ready for the road.

James said that a large number of people had turned up to take their test before he left at 11.30am.

“There was someone there from Donegal and a few from Dublin. I was alright, I live in Navan, but imagine travelling that distance and the place not opening.”

The wait was particularly tough on James who had worked a night shift before going down to the test centre.

“I was working again that night and had only a few hours sleep,” he pointed out.

James said he had felt very lucky that he had been given an appointment for his test so quickly.

“I had heard so much about people waiting months, having to take tests at the other side of the country or having their tests cancelled at the last minute, but I got my appointment in less than seven days – but unfortunately they didn't turn up,” he said.

James explained that he'd had to get his passport renewed to apply for the theory test and that had taken a lot of time.

“I'm 22 and want to start learning to drive,” he said.

James rang the testing service on Monday morning and although initially was told it would be a while before he could sit the test, he eventually got an appointment for yesteday (Tuesday).

The Meath Chronicle has contacted the Road Safety Authority for comment.