New legislation will require learner drivers to sit driving test within first four years

The Government has today signed off on new regulations to ensure learner drivers can no longer repeatedly renew their learner permits without taking a driving test.

Effective 1st November, 2026, the new regulations amend the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations (S.I. 537 of 2006).

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 a practical driving test before renewing their permit.

Currently, learners can renew their permits multiple times if they have booked or scheduled a driving test.

In addition, learners who have held a learner permit for seven years will have to begin the learning to drive process again.

For learners in category B (car), this 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 per cent of this group have yet to sit a driving test, approximately 38,000 people.

Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety, Séan Canney, said these regulations are “an important development in advancing road safety”.

“A learner permit is not a driving licence. It permits people to drive on public roads when accompanied by a qualified driver, to gain the experience necessary to drive safely.

“Until a learner can meet the required standard and pass a 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,” he added.