The Road Safety Authority has said it hopes to clear the backlog in driving tests before the end of this year. Around 120,000 learners are waiting to take their driver theory test and 62,000 are waiting for a driving test.
Until a few weeks ago, only essential workers could get lessons and driving instructors still have to turn away customers because of the level of demand.
Kevin Horgan, Managing Director of Ladybird Driving School, said he had been taking phone calls from frustrated customers looking to get back to lessons.
He said his and other schools were struggling to meet demand. There is also the issue of customers who cannot start lessons as they are still waiting to sit their theory tests.