A learner permit allows you to drive on all public roads, except motorways, for the purposes of learning to drive and only when accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or someone who has held a full, valid driving licence in the same category for more than two years.
It also means that you can take Essential Driver Training (EDT) with an ADI.
However, to help keep you and others safe while you learn, some restrictions apply:
You must hold a first learner permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. This is to give you enough time to practice safe driving. It also allows you to complete your Essential Driver Training with an Approved Driving Instructor.
A first and second learner permit are normally valid for two years. In order to get a third or subsequent learner permit you must have booked or sat and failed the driving test in the previous two years.
If you have sat and failed a driving test in the previous two years you will be issued with a two-year learner permit.
If you have booked or have an upcoming driving test you will be issued with a one-year learner permit.
A learner permit allows you to drive on all public roads, except motorways, for the purposes of learning to drive and only when accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or someone who has held a full, valid driving licence in the same category for more than two years.
You can begin learning the basic skills of driving with an Approved Driving Instructor and accompanying driver or sponsor.
At the theory test centre you would have been issued with a driver theory test certificate. You have two years from the date on the certificate to apply for a first learner permit in the category. After two years the certificate becomes invalid and you will have to pay for and pass the driver theory test again.
Everyone applying for a first learner permit must also submit an eyesight report form. The only exception is if you are supplying a medical report form
Now might be a good time to book an appointment with a registered medical practitioner or optometrist.
Call us on 1890 606 106 (lo call Rate) and we will arrange for a replacement to be issued, subject to a fee of €15.00. You will be asked for some personal details, and the reference number for your theory test. A replacement will not be necessary if you apply online.
You can now quickly and easily apply for your learner permit online. No need to complete paper forms, make appointments or visit an NDLS centre in person. All you need is your Public Services Card and your verified MyGovID for safe, secure access to NDLS.ie
To apply for a learner permit online you will need the following:
To apply for a first-time learner permit in person at any NDLS centre you will need the following:
You can eitherbook an appointment online to attend an NDLS centre or just walk in to any NDLS centre with the required forms, ID and fee. If you take the walk-in option you may have to wait in a queue if the NDLS centre is busy.
Your photograph and signature will be captured electronically at the NDLS centre.
You can apply in person at any of the 36 National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres nationwide.
You can apply to renew your learner permit up to three months before your current learner permit expires.
A first and second learner permit are normally valid for two years. In order to get a third or subsequent learner permit you must have booked or sat and failed the driving test in the previous two years
If you have sat and failed a driving test in the previous two years you will be issued with a two-year permit.
If you have booked or have an upcoming test you will be issued with a one-year learner permit.
You can now quickly and easily renew your learner permit online. No need to complete paper forms, make appointments or visit an NDLS centre in person. All you need is your Public Services Card and your verified MyGovID for safe, secure access to NDLS.ie
To renew your learner permit online you will need the following:
To renew your learner permit in person at an NDLS centre you will need the following:
You can either book an appointment online to attend an NDLS centre or just walk in to any NDLS centre with the required forms, ID and fee. If you take the walk-in option you may have to wait in a queue if the NDLS centre is busy.
Your photograph and signature will be captured electronically at the NDLS centre.
You can apply in person at any of the 36 National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres nationwide.
You can now quickly and easily renew and update your learner permit online. No need to complete paper forms, make appointments or visit an NDLS centre in person. All you need is your Public Services Card and your verified MyGovID for safe, secure access to NDLS.ie
To add another category to your category B (car & light van) learner permit online you will need the following:
To add another driving licence category to your category B (car and light van) learner permit you will need the following:
You can either book an appointment online to attend an NDLS centre or just walk in to any NDLS centre with the required forms, ID and fee. If you take the walk-in option you may have to wait in a queue if the NDLS centre is busy.
Your photograph and signature will be captured electronically at the NDLS centre.
You can apply in person at any of the 36 National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres nationwide.
You can now quickly and easily renew and replace your learner permit online. No need to complete paper forms, make appointments or visit an NDLS centre in person. All you need is your Public Services Card and your verified MyGovID for safe, secure access to NDLS.ie
If you have to replace a lost or stolen learner permit, you will need the following:
If you have to replace a lost or stolen learner permit, you will need the following:
You can either book an appointment online to attend an NDLS centre or just walk in to any NDLS centre with the required forms, ID and fee. If you take the walk-in option you may have to wait in a queue if the NDLS centre is busy.
Your photograph and signature will be captured electronically at the NDLS centre.
You can apply in person at any of the 36 National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres nationwide.
You can now quickly and easily renew and replace your learner permit online. No need to complete paper forms, make appointments or visit an NDLS centre in person. All you need is your Public Services Card and your verified MyGovID for safe, secure access to NDLS.ie
During the application process you will be told where to send your damaged permit.
If you have to replace a damaged learner permit, you will need the following:
You can either book an appointment online to attend an NDLS centre or just walk in to any NDLS centre with the required forms, ID and fee. If you take the walk-in option you may have to wait in a queue if the NDLS centre is busy.
Your photograph and signature will be captured electronically at the NDLS centre.
You can apply in person at any of the 36 National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres nationwide.
You can now quickly and easily update, renew and replace your learner permit online. No need to complete paper forms, make appointments or visit an NDLS centre in person. All you need is your Public Services Card and your verified MyGovID for safe, secure access to NDLS.ie
To apply online for a learner permit in category B, with an existing full licence in category A, you will need the following:
To apply for a learner permit in category B, with an existing full licence in category A, you will need the following:
You can either book an appointment online to attend an NDLS centre >or just walk in to any NDLS centre with the required forms, ID and fee. If you take the walk-in option you may have to wait in a queue if the NDLS centre is busy.
Your photograph and signature will be captured electronically at the NDLS centre.
You can apply in person at any of the 36 National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres nationwide.
You can now quickly and easily apply for your learner permit online. No need to complete paper forms, make appointments or visit an NDLS centre in person. All you need is your Public Services Card and your verified MyGovID for safe, secure access to NDLS.ie
To apply for a category C or D learner permit with an existing full licence in category B, you will need the following:
Everyone applying for a first learner permit must also submit an eyesight report. The only exception is if you are supplying a medical report.
You will need to supply a medical report with your learner permit application if:
On the day of your driving test you must have held a first-time learner permit for at least six months. This is to give you enough time to practice safe driving. It also allows you to complete your Essential Driver Training with an Approved Driving Instructor.
Ireland has driving licence exchange agreements with all of the EU/EEA member states, and with many other recognised states.
If you have a current valid full foreign driving licence from a country that Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with, it may be possible for you to take your driving test without having to wait for six months, if:
To avoid having to wait for six months to take your driving test you will need to apply. Download and complete the application form and post it to the address listed on the form.
More details about the six-month rule
Normally in order to sit your driving test you must complete 12 sessions of Essential Driver Training (EDT). However, if you currently hold a full driving licence (category B) from a country that does not have a licence exchange agreement with Ireland, you may be eligible for reduced EDT. This involves six one-hour sessions. To qualify you must:
More details about reduced EDT for full foreign licence holders.
A first and second learner permit is normally valid for two years each time.In certain medical circumstances, a learner permit may be valid for just one year.
When applying for a third or subsequent learner permit, you should:
As a car learner permit holder you must: