Learner drivers in County Wicklow waiting to take their driving test will have to continue waiting.

This news comes as unions blocked government plans to outsource some of the testing to private companies.

The unions involved argued the case that outsourcing was not permissable under current partnership agreements.

Unions put forward proposals of a bonus scheme for testers, training of other civil servants and the employment of contract staff. These proposals were considered unworkable by the Department of Transport.

Meanwhile, over 400,000 people are driving on provisional licenses. 130,000 are on waiting lists for driving tests. According to http://www.drivingtest.ie the waiting time for a test in Wicklow is 52 weeks.

Minister for Transport Martin Cullent said he was disappointed at the blocking of the government plans but added “The Government has no intention of giving up on this. We must and wil find a solution.”