Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 September 2025
166. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of learner permits a driver will be allowed before they must sit a driving test to obtain a subsequent permit according to the new regulations due to be implemented within the coming month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49863/25]
View answer167. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the limit of learner permits that will be issued to learner drivers before they must sit a theory test again; if primary legislation is required; the timeframe when this will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49864/25]
View answerI propose to take Question No 166 and Question No 167 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Department is committed, under Action 7B of the Road Safety Strategy Phase 2 Action Plan, to addressing the matter of learner drivers with multiple successive learner permits. It is intended to require learner permit holders to complete a driver test prior to renewal after holding a permit for 4 years. If a learner holds a two year permit, this will be required when seeking a third permit.
It is also intended that any application for renewal after 7 years of holding a learner permit will be treated as a first learner permit application, requiring the learner to begin the learning to drive process from the start (theory test, learner permit, 12 Essential Driver Training lessons, practical test).
The Department is working on secondary legislation to provide for the changes and the RSA is in the process of finalising an implementation plan.
