63% rise in unaccompanied learner drivers in Cork being detected by gardaí

An Ireland South MEP has called for parents to be more vigilant as new Garda figures show a 63% increase in the number of unaccompanied learner drivers caught by gardaí on Cork city roads.

Gardaí in the city issued 117 fixed charge notices to unaccompanied learner drivers in Q2 2023, and 191 in Q2 2024, a jump of 63%.

It is against the law to drive unaccompanied on a learner permit, and penalties apply if you are convicted of driving unaccompanied, or if you allow your vehicle to be driven by an unaccompanied learner driver.

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, a member of the EU transport committee, said: “Learner drivers lack the experience and judgment required to handle complex driving situations. That can mean more accidents on our roads. When an inexperienced driver gets behind the wheel of a car without any supervision, they are endangering themselves, other drivers and other road users.”

She has called for parents to be vigilant about not allowing their children to drive unaccompanied before passing their test, pointing to an increase in road deaths in recent years.