Learner drivers will have to sit test within first four years

Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety, Seán Canney, has signed regulations to ensure learner drivers can no longer repeatedly renew their learner permits without taking a driving test.

The new regulations amend the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations (S.I. 537 of 2006). They will come into effect on November 1, 2026.

From that date, learner divers who have held a permit in category A, A1, A2, AM, B or W for four years will have to take practical driving tests before renewing their permits. Currently, learners can renew their permits multiple times if they have booked or scheduled driving tests.

In addition, learners who have held learner permits for seven years will have to begin the learning to drive process again. For learners in category B (car), the process is made up of a theory test, obtaining a learner permit, taking 12 Essential Driver Training lessons, and sitting a practical test.

Data from the Road Safety Authority shows that nearly one in five holders of category B learner permits have renewed their licences three or more times. Almost 60% of that group have yet to sit a driving test, approximately 38,000 people.