Failure to conduct tests in Irish and smelly testers are among the complaints lodged by people who failed their driving test last year.

The Road Safety Authority received over 1,700 complaints in 2018, according to the Irish Times.

One failed applicant in the midlands said a driving tester “smelt quite intensely” and also complained that the tester was “very intimidating”.

Statistics show that Raheny Test Centre in Dublin was the most difficult location to pass a test last year with a 38.7% pass rate while Clifden in Co Galway has a 72% pass rate.

Waterford driving instructor Kieran Kennedy spoke to Damien Tiernan on Deise Today:

“We’re very lucky in Waterford, they’re very polite, they’re very fair”

However, he says people are right to complain about foul smelling and aggressive testers.

“That, or rudeness, in 2019 is not acceptable.

“You must remember that you’re paying €85 to do this test, they have to provide a service in a polite and fair manner.

“If they don’t you have a right to complain.”