Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
63. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the work ongoing to remove an access barrier to driving, for people without the required support networks to assist with unaccompanied driving requirement; his views on whether that acts as a barrier to obtaining a full driving license; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11042/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the purpose of the driver training and testing system is to set the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licenced driver.
The learner permit is not a driving licence - it gives permission to drive on our roads while learning the skills required to become a qualified driver. Until a learner has shown that they have met this standard and has passed the driving test, they are not safe to drive on our roads without appropriate supervision.
Learner drivers are legally required to be accompanied at all times by a qualified driver and have been since 2007. An unaccompanied learner driver is liable for up to four penalty points, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution. The penalty for learners driving unaccompanied is a fine of up to €1,000 for a first offence, up to €2,000 for a second offence and up to €2,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 months for a third or subsequent offence within a 12 month period.
Research has repeatedly shown that unaccompanied learner drivers are markedly more likely to be involved in fatal collisions. For reasons of road safety, the Department has no plans to change the current laws in force around learner drivers driving unaccompanied.
