Learning to drive is a major milestone in any young (or older) person’s life. Driving brings a sense of independence and freedom but the process requires patience, effort and lots of practice. Learner drivers need a lot of practice to gain the experience and skills needed to pass a test and become safe drivers. However, before you hop into a car as a learner, there are some rules that need to be followed.
By law in Ireland, all learner drivers must be accompanied by a qualified driver. If you’re wondering what happens when a learner driver travels alone, we’ll look at the most common questions and the relevant laws below.
Is It Illegal to Drive Alone as a Learner Driver?
Under Irish law, it is illegal for learner drivers to drive unaccompanied. While it might be tempting to take the car out for a quick spin by yourself, doing so can result in harsh penalties for you and the owner of the vehicle, if it’s owned by a parent or guardian.
Under the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, anyone driving on a learner permit in Ireland must be accompanied at all times while driving. And the accompanying driver must have held a full, valid driving license for a minimum of two years.
The Road Safety Authority and An Garda Siochana take these laws very seriously. The laws were put in place and then strengthened to deter learner drivers from driving unaccompanied, to stop anyone considering lending their vehicle to an unaccompanied learner driver.
Research from the RSA shows that 74% of fatal crashes involving learner drivers in a four-year period involved unaccompanied learner drivers.
According to the RSA, due to their inexperience, learners have a tendency to take more risks on the road and the most effective way to practice safe driving is with the guidance and support of an accompanying driver.
Consequences of Driving Unsupervised as a Learner
If the Gardaí stop you, and you are not accompanied by a fully qualified driver, you will face harsh penalties and fines, including:
- Up to four penalty points
- a fine up to €160.
- If you are an unaccompanied learner driver and the vehicle owner, the Gardaí are permitted to impound your vehicle
- If you are an unaccompanied learner driver but not the owner, the owner of the vehicle faces their car being impounded by Gardaí and a fine of up to €1,000.
Who Do Learner Driver Laws Apply To?
The laws for unaccompanied learner drivers apply to all drivers with a learner permit for the category of vehicle they are driving. The only exceptions are for learner motorcycle drivers with an IBT certificate of satisfactory completion and tractor learner drivers (unless there is a passenger seat in the tractor being driven).
What About Non-Irish License Holders?
The legislation for unaccompanied learner drivers only applies if you are the holder of an Irish learner permit. There are different laws for non-Irish license holders.
If you hold a Non-Irish learner permit or provisional licence, you are not permitted to drive in Ireland. You must have a full and valid Irish driving licence when driving in Ireland, either as a visitor or a resident. Otherwise, you are breaking the law.
Does This Legislation Only Apply to First-Time Learner Permit Holders?
The law applies to all learners who hold a learner permit. It doesn’t matter if you are on your second learner permit or if you previously held a full license, you must drive accompanied by a fully qualified driver until you have your full license.
Misconceptions About Driving Alone as a Learner Driver
A lot of learner drivers find themselves in hot water because of misunderstandings about when the rules apply. For example, if the learner driver is only making a very short journey. The laws apply no matter the distance travelled or how often you drive. There are no exceptions.
You also cannot drive unaccompanied to or from your driving test, even if you have a valid test date or a Certificate of Competency. You can only drive unaccompanied once you have your full license.
Driving Unaccompanied and Your Car Insurance
Aside from fines, penalty points and other consequences, driving unaccompanied can have a big impact for your car insurance. If you are involved in an accident while driving alone on a learner permit, your insurance provider may refuse to cover the cost of the damage because you were driving illegally, and outside the terms of your policy. This means you could be held personally liable for any repairs, costs or damages. A conviction for driving unaccompanied can also make it very difficult and more expensive to get insurance cover in the future.
Protecting your driving future means following the rules and making sure you have the right cover in place while you learn. At KennCo, we understand that learning to drive is a journey, and we are here to support learners every step of the way. We offer competitive and comprehensive young driver insurance policies. Contact the team at KennCo Insurance today to get a quote that helps you get on the road safely and legally.
Save On Young Driver Car Insurance?
At KennCo, we understand that it can be hard for young drivers to get their first car on the road. That’s why we offer low-cost and reliable young driver car insurance.
Get a Secure Quote Today
Where Do I Put L Plates On My Car? | FAQs
Please note : Interest is applied to all monthly payments under the finance agreement. KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland. #Ad