Changes to legislation for learner drivers approved last week will not apply to tractor drivers who have a learner licence.

The new rules will see gardaí have the power to seize a car being driven by a person holding a learner driving licence who has no qualified driver with them.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport told the Irish Farmers Journal: “The changes do not apply for category W licences.”

The Road Safety Authority has outlined that there are only two instances where a learner driver can drive a vehicle alone:

  • When driving a work vehicle (eg agricultural tractor or JCB), unless it has been adapted to carry a passenger, and the passenger holds a full driving licence for a work vehicle for a continuous period of two years.
  • When riding a motorcycle, if you obtained your first learner permit on or after the 6 December 2010 you need to carry a Certification of Satisfactory Completion with your permit in order to drive.
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