Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 June 2026
35. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department is giving consideration to the introduction of a graduated driving licence system; whether any research, consultation, or comparative analysis has been carried out, including in relation to the graduated driving licence system being introduced this year in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46125/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Ireland has had a graduated driving licence system since 2007. There are a number of steps that an individual must undertake before gaining a driving licence and being allowed to drive unaccompanied on public roads.
First, an applicant is required to complete a theory test which assesses their knowledge of the rules of the road, risk perception, hazard awareness and good driving behaviour. They may then apply for a learner permit. A learner permit allows the holder to drive on public roads, accompanied by a qualified driver, while learning to drive. A learner is required to wait a period of 6 months and undertake 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons before applying for a driving test.
Once a learner passes their driving test, they are considered a novice driver for a period of two years. They are required to display an N-plate on their vehicle and are subject to lower penalty points of 7 points, rather than 12 points, before disqualification. In addition, they are subject to stricter lower drink-driving thresholds than full licence holders.
Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The format of driving licences, categories of vehicles, and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence, are all set at EU level.
