Motorists holding learner permits for more than four years will soon be required to take a driving test before they can renew their permit under newly introduced rules.
This change aims to eliminate a loophole that has allowed learner drivers to continue driving indefinitely without ever sitting a driving test, reports RTE.
For most learners, the four-year mark would see them holding their third learner permit.
After seven years, any learner still without a full licence would need to start the process from scratch – taking the theory test again, obtaining a new learner permit, completing 12 essential driver training lessons, and then attempting the practical test, reports RTE.
The new measures will not be enforced until November of next year.
Earlier today, South Tipperary TD Michael Murphy raised the matter in the Dáil, pointing out that although the law was meant to change in 2014, the loophole has remained open for 11 years, reports RTE.
He said that approximately 63,000 learner drivers have renewed their permits more than 20 times.
“I understand efforts are being made to reduce waiting times but unless this loophole is closed and the no-show rate is addressed, the system will continue to face unnecessary pressure,” the Fine Gael TD said, reports RTE.
He added: “I urge the Minister of State to bring those regulations forward without delay because every month that passes is another month where this loophole continues to undermine road safety and fairness, reports RTE.
“This reform has been promised for over a decade – it is now time to deliver it,” reports RTE.
After signing the new regulations this afternoon, Minister of State with Responsibility for Road Safety Seán Canney described the move as an important step forward in improving road safety.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said the goal of the changes was to motivate learner drivers to become fully licensed motorists, reports RTE.
“It is vital that learner drivers complete the learning process and are discouraged from holding learner permits without ever taking a driving test,” he added, reports RTE.
The founder of the PARC road safety group, Susan Gray, welcomed the reforms but said her group would “not rest” until the loophole is officially closed in November 2026, reports RTE.
“PARC welcomes the progress being made by Seán Canney today to close the learner driver loophole but we will not rest until it’s actually closed in November 2026, reports RTE.
“Since 2013, the RSA promised to stop renewing permits to those that don’t bother turning up for their driving test appointment. Latest data from the RSA show there have been over 6,000 ‘no shows’ this year with no consequence, reports RTE.
“We would urge Minister Canney to closely monitor the work of the RSA on this matter and demand reports every month and to ensure that these reports are published on the RSA website for total transparency,” she added, reports RTE.
Chief Operating Officer of the Road Safety Authority Brendan Walsh said the reform is focused on improving safety and fairness rather than penalising motorists.
He said: “The learner permit is a stepping stone to safe, independent driving – not a long-term substitute for a full licence. The proposed changes aim to help learners progress with the right training and support, so they build confidence and the up-to-date skills needed on today’s roads,” reports RTE.
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