Learner driving permits for cars and work vehicles

Rules

Before you begin to learn to drive on public roads in Ireland, you must hold a learner permit covering the category of vehicle you wish to drive. A theory test certificate must be obtained before a first learner permit will be granted.

Car drivers with a learner permit must be accompanied at all times by, and be under the supervision of, someone with a current driving licence for a car. Also, the person accompanying you must have had the driving licence for at least two years.

Work vehicle drivers with a learner permit may not carry a passenger unless the vehicle is designed to carry a passenger and the passenger is a qualified driver who has held his driving licence for a work vehicle for at least the last two years.

If you hold a learner permit for a car, you can't drive a car drawing a trailer, drive on a motorway, act as an accompanying driver or carry other people for reward.

Learner permit holders for cars must display L-plates to the front and rear of the vehicle they are driving at all times. The plate should be a red “L” on a white background and should not be less than 15cm high with a border of at least 2cm.

Car and work vehicle categories

The categories and driver's minimum age for car and work vehicles are as follows:

A learner permit is usually valid for two years. You cannot take a driving test for at least six months after getting your first learner permit (where you are not changing from a provisional licence to a learner permit).

Since 4th April 2011 new first-time category B learner permit holders are required to undertake mandatory esential driver training (EDT) of 12 one-hours lessons with an approved driving instructor. Your progress is recorded in a special logbook. You should also have an experienced driver who supervises your driving practice outside of lessons, and also updates your logbook. When taking the driving test, you may be required to show your completed logbook to the examiner. Further information on the mandatory esential driver training is available on the Road Safety Authority's website.

Since October 2011 the drink driving limits for drivers with learner permits and those in their first two years on a full driving licence is reduced to 20mg/100ml of blood. Information on other proposed measures is available on the Road Safety Authority's website.

Since the commencement of the Driver Theory Testing Service in 2001, a theory test certificate must be obtained before a first learner permit is granted. You may not apply for a third or subsequent learner permit unless you can provide evidence that you have:

• Undergone a driving test in the two-year period prior to the application (a two-year learner permit will be granted)

Or

• Evidence of a forthcoming test date (a one-year learner permit will be granted)

If your provisional driving licence expired 5 years ago, then you must undergo a theory test before a learner permit will be issued.

If I change my name or address do I need a new learner permit?

While you are required to carry your learner permit with you at all times when driving, you are not required by law to change your permit if you change your name or address. However, it is advisable. You are required to show evidence of your permit if requested to by An Garda Siochana, so your permit should contain up-to-date information.

Exchanging your permit to amend your name or address is a free service. It is also free to have an endorsement removed, an additional category added or an error on your permit corrected.

You must send a completed application form, 2 passport type photographs (signed on back) and any required supporting documents, such as, an original marriage certificate. Contact your Motor Tax Office for more information.

What other categories can I add to my learner permit without a theory test certificate?

If you already hold a learner permit for category B, you can add category W without submitting a theory test certificate.

How do I replace a lost or stolen learner permit?

If your current learner permit is lost, stolen, damaged or defaced, you should apply to your local Motor Taxation Office for a replacement. The replacement permit is a duplicate or exact copy of your original learner permit. You can find out more in our document on replacing a lost or stolen Irish learner permit.