Passing the category B driving test is just the first step in becoming a truly safe and competent driver.
Getting a full driving licence allows you to drive unaccompanied on all public roads in the category of vehicle for which you hold a full licence.
If you passed your driving test in an automatic vehicle you will only be licensed to drive that type of vehicle.
There are also some special conditions that apply to novice drivers during the first two years:
Now you're a fully-qualified and licensed car and light van driver. But you should never stop learning more driving skills and road safety awareness. Remember, now that you're a driver, you're even more responsible for your safety and the safety of others.
Research shows that the highest period of risk for a driver is the first two years following qualification.
That's why there are a number of rules which you must follow for the next two years. One of the most important is the N-plate rule.
You must display N-plates on any vehicle you drive for a period of two years from qualification.
N-plates are:
Full guidance on the use of N-plates.
Research tells us that novice drivers are most likely to be killed on our roads in their first two years. This is due to their inexperience.
All the more reason for you to pay extra close attention to safety and road awareness.
More facts about novice drivers.
We want to help everyone be a better, safer driver. That's why we have produced a series of videos designed to help improve your driving skills. These cover some of the most dangerous manoeuvres on our road.
You will find all these videos and more on our YouTube channel.
Penalty points are designed to encourage safe riding and reduce casualties on our roads. There are 62 offences which attract penalty points on a driving licence. These include:
A penalty point is essentially a formal reprimand by the Gardai. This is endorsed on your driving licence record and shows that you are guilty of a specific driving offence.
If, while driving with a learner permit or as a novice driver, you accumulate seven penalty points in a three-year period, you will be usually automatically disqualified from driving for six months.
For fully qualified drivers, this threshold is 12 penalty points.
Full details of the penalty points system.
The blood alcohol concentration threshold for novice drivers is lower than for other fully qualified riders. Novice drivers detected with a blood alcohol concentration between 20mg and 80mg can face disqualification from driving for three months and a fine €200.
(For fully qualified drivers, the equivalent blood alcohol concentration is between 50mg and 80mg.)
Full details of penalties for drink driving.
Yes. Novice drivers displaying N-plates can drive on the motorway and do not have to have an accompanying driver with them
More guidance for novice drivers.
Yes. Novice drivers displaying N-Plates can drive alone on all public roads.
More guidance for novice drivers.
No. Novice drivers cannot act as a sponsor or accompanying driver for a learner driver.
More guidance for novice drivers.
Yes. For novice drivers the blood alcohol concentration threshold is lower.
Novice drivers detected with a blood alcohol concentration between 20mg and 80mg can face disqualification from driving for three months and a fine of €200.
(For fully qualified drivers, the equivalent blood alcohol concentration is between 50mg and 80mg.)
More guidance for novice drivers.
If while driving with a learner permit or as a novice driver, you accumulate seven penalty points in a three-year period you will usually be automatically disqualified from driving for six months