Learner drivers will have to sit test within first four years

Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety, Seán Canney, has today 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.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “Road safety is a priority for this government, and ensuring that all drivers are properly trained and qualified is essential to achieving this goal.

“The purpose of these regulations is to encourage learners to become fully qualified drivers. It is vital that learner drivers complete the learning process, and are discouraged from holding learner permits without ever taking a driving test.

“This is one of a range of actions conducted under the Road Safety Strategy with the aim of reducing the number of road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, working toward the ultimate goal of Vision Zero (no road deaths or serious injuries) by 2050.”

Minister of State Séan Canney said: “These regulations are an important development in advancing road safety and will fulfil one of the key actions of Phase 2 of the Road Safety Strategy Action Plan – to end the practice whereby learner drivers can roll over learner permits without the requirement to sit a test.

“A learner permit is not a driving licence. It permits people to drive on public roads when accompanied by qualified drivers, to gain the experience necessary to drive safely. Until learners can meet the required standard and pass the driving test, they cannot be judged safe to drive unaccompanied on public roads.

“Completing the learning to drive process is crucial to ensure that drivers have the skills and confidence to drive on our roads.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility and ensuring that every driver is properly trained and qualified is a central commitment.”