Learners Permit Ireland: How to Get One & the Rules

A learner’s permit is issued to drivers who have yet to pass their test. It was originally known as a provisional license. When you receive a learner’s permit, you are allowed to take driving lessons and drive on the open road only while accompanied by a driver who has held a full driving license for at least two years. A learner’s permit is another stepping stone to getting a full driving license.

When Can You Apply For a Learners Permit?

The first step towards getting your learner permit is to pass the driver theory test. You can sit the theory test for a car from the age of 16. However, you must be at least 17 years old to be issued with your first learner permit for a car.

Once you have your theory test pass certificate, it is valid for two years. This means you must apply for your learner permit within two years of passing the test, otherwise you will have to sit and pass it again.

So, while you can take the test on your 16th birthday, you will have to wait until you are 17 to apply for your permit. Alternatively, many people choose to wait until they are closer to 17 to take the theory test and then apply for their learner permit straight after.

For first-time learner permit holders, the “six-month rule” applies. So, if it is your first learner permit, you must hold it for at least six months before you are eligible to sit your driving test. This rule is to give new drivers adequate time to complete Essential Driver Training (EDT) and gain sufficient driving experience. You should factor this mandatory six-month waiting period into your timeline when planning to get your full licence.

How Do You Apply For a Learners Permit?

You can apply online on the NDLS website to apply for a learner’s permit. To apply online, the NDLS require that you have a verified MyGovID. You need a Public Service Card (PSC) to set up a MyGovID. The process is pretty straightforward if you apply online. To receive your learner’s permit, it costs €45. 

To apply for a first-time learner permit online, you will must have:

•  Successfully passed the driver theory test in the relevant category. 
• A MyGovID or Public Services Card.
• Proof of address dated within the past six months
• Proof that you are ordinarily resident in Ireland if your place of birth and/or nationality are outside the EU, EEA, UK and Northern Ireland. 
• Fully completed and signed medical and eyesight reports, if applicable.  
• Application fee of €45

If you prefer to apply in person or don’t have a Public Service Card, you can book an appointment to attend an NDLS Centre and get your learner’s permit. To apply in person, you will need the following:

• Successfully passed the driver theory test.
• Fully completed eyesight report from a professional dated within one month.
• Proof of your PPSN
• Proof of address dated within six months.
• Photo ID .
• Fully completed medical report (if required).
• Proof you are ordinarily resident in Ireland (if place of birth/nationality is outside EU, EEA, UK, NI).
• Your application fee of €45

You now do not need an application form when attending an NDLS centre.

The NDLS will take a digital photo, and you must also sign an electronic signature there. Both of these will appear on your learner’s permit. 

Can You Renew a Learners Permit?

If you have struggled to pass the driving test or have not spent time practising, you may be worried about how long the learner’s permit is valid. A learner permit in Ireland is typically valid for two years.

If you need to renew it, you can apply up to three months before your current permit expires. The renewal process is very similar to your first application and can be completed online through the NDLS website, which is the fastest and most convenient method. The fee for renewing your permit is €45.

Learner permits can only be renewed twice. If you are applying for your third or any other subsequent learner permit, you must be able to prove that you are actively working towards passing your driving test. This means you must provide evidence that you have either:

• Applied for a driving test or have a driving test scheduled. 

• Sat and failed a driving test within the last two years.

After this you will be issued a learner permit for 12 months. The shorter duration is designed to stop drivers sitting on a learner permit long-term or indefinitely. To get any subsequent one-year permit, you will again need to show proof of a booked test. 

Can You Drive When You Receive a Learners Permit?

Once you receive your learner’s permit, you can legally drive on open roads, but there are limitations. 

Firstly you must have car insurance for your driving car, just like everyone else. You must always be accompanied by someone with a full license who has held it for at least two years. You cannot drive on your own under any circumstance, and you cannot drive with someone who has held their full license for less than two years. 

Before you start driving, you must display ‘L’ Plates on both the front and rear of the vehicle. The ‘L’ should be red against a white background. 

Lastly, you cannot drive on any motorway until you have a full license. 

When Can You Start Driving Lessons?

Once you hold a learner’s permit, you can start driving lessons with a qualified ADI. You will do 12 lessons of (EDT) Essential Driving Training, where you will learn a range of skills about driving and the rules of the road. Each driving lesson typically lasts at least one hour long. 

 

When Can You Book a Driving Test?

You can book a driving test once you have completed your 12 driving lessons and once it has been six months since you received your learner’s permit. 

What is the Theory Test? 

The theory test is a computer-based examination based on motoring theory. You will be tested on the category of vehicle you wish to drive. You are tested on the following:

• Rules of the road
• Risk perception
• Good driving behaviour
• Eco-driving
• Hazard awareness

You can book the theory test online and sit the test in any test centre around the country. On passing the test, you will get a theory test certificate. 

The theory test consists of 40 questions in both categories, A and B. To pass the test, you must answer 35 questions correctly. You will have 45 minutes to answer all the questions. 

What Happens if I Lose My Learners Permit?

You could apply for a replacement permit online if your learner’s permit was lost, stolen or damaged. You don’t need to complete any paper forms or make appointments. You can still apply to an NDLS Centre in person if you prefer. 

Do You Need Car Insurance for a Learner Permit?

You will need car insurance when you start driving your car or a parent’s car. Your driving instructor will have his car insured, so you are okay to drive their car. It is always advised to practice driving outside your regular driving lessons to practice what you’ve learned and gain confidence on the road. 

Before driving, you should organise car insurance to cover your vehicle. Learner drivers can get an online quote today with KennCo or call us on 01 409 2600.