Learner drivers with more than four permits without passing test may have to start process again

Eva Osborne

The Department of Transport has suggested legislating to restrict learner drivers to no more than four consecutive learner permits and to no more than two consecutive permits without having taken a driving test.

Currently, a learner driver can have an unlimited number of learner permits even if they do not pass their driving test.

The proposal was included in a ministerial briefing for transport given to the Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien.

The Irish Times explained that, if introduced, it would mean that after six years a learner driver would have to begin the process again with a theory test, apply for a learner permit, 12 mandatory lessons, and a driving test.

The proposal aims to improve road safety through reducing the number of drivers holding multiple consecutive learner permits.

Also present in the briefing document is proposals around the implementation of the reform of the Road Safety Authority.

This would include:

• Chairing of Departmental Group overseeing the implementation of the organisational redesign of the RSA;
• Chairing of the Road Safety Communications Steering Group and engagement with the RSA in relation to significant national campaigns;
• Ongoing engagement with and oversight of the RSA in relation to public interest activities to be housed in the interim Road Safety Office, including research, education and public awareness;
• Development of a mechanism to recommend customer fees for RSA services ahead of Budget 2026;
• Preparation of proposals, submissions and Memorandums for Ministerial and Government approval at key junctions;
• Engagement with DPENDR in relation to funding requirements.