From 1 November, new rules will be brought in which will affect anyone who is on their second, third or subsequent learner permit for a car, tractor, work vehicle or motorcycle.

These new rules focus on reducing the number of people holding multiple learner permits who don't attempt to sit a driving test, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) said.

From this date, learner drivers will no longer be able to get a third or fourth learner permit, just by applying for a driving test. In order to be eligible for a further learner permit, they must have taken a driving test within the previous two years.

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There will no longer be a fifth learner permit. After a fourth permit the process of learning to drive begins again, the RSA has advised.

Candidates can apply for a learner permit when they have passed the theory test. They then complete 12 lessons but must wait a minimum of six months before applying for a driving test.

Advice

The RSA has said that some learner drivers may need to take a driving test before 1 November 2026, to make sure they can renew their permit under the new system.

“Make sure you check the expiry date on your learner permit. If it's your second or subsequent permit and it's due to expire after 1 November 2026, then you will have to sit a driving test before you can apply for a third or subsequent permit. If you don't, and your permit expires, you will have to stop driving,” the RSA said

It said learner drivers on their first learner permit do not have to sit a test before 1 November.

“If you're on your first learner permit, you can apply for a second one without having to sit the driving test,” it added.