Learner drivers to be forced to take driving test after four years on learner permits 

After four learner permits, a learner driver will be required to restart the driving test process. This means they will require a new theory test, 12 lessons and a practical driving test.

Drivers on learner permits for more than four years will have to take a driving test before they can renew their permit, under new regulations signed on Tuesday.

This will formally close a loophole that has been in effect for 11 years. However, the change will not come into effect until November 1, 2026.

The changes will require learner drivers to take a practical driving test after four years on a learner permit.

Existing rules require learner drivers to renew their learner permits every two years, meaning they will be required to take a practical test if they seek a third permit.

If an individual seeks a fourth learner permit, it will be only valid for a single year rather than the normal two.

After this final year, a learner driver will be required to restart the driving test process. This means they will require a new theory test, 12 lessons and a practical driving test.

The change was confirmed in correspondence to Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy, who questioned the Government on the matter during a topical issue in the Dáil on Wednesday.

Speaking on behalf of roads minister Sean Canney, junior minister Neale Richmond said there had previously been proposals tabled to end the loophole, but these were delayed due to covid-19 and an increase in driving test wait times.

However, Mr Richmond said this was no longer a barrier, with the average wait time for a B car test sitting at 10 weeks.

He added there were “significant numbers” of learner drivers renewing their permits for multiple years without taking tests.

“As of September 2025, nearly 63,000 people, or 19% of all learners, have renewed their car permits three or more times. Of those 63,000 learners, 60%, or nearly 38,000, have never taken a driving test,” Mr Richmond said.

He added seven years was “more than enough time” for learners to become a qualified driver.