3. 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.

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.

About your 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.

Apply for your learner permit within two years of passing your driver theory test

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.

Your medical report

Everyone applying for a learner permit for a category D (bus) vehicle must also submit a medical report form. Your medical practitioner may also refer you to an optometrist to have an eyesight report form completed

Now might be a good time to book an appointment with a registered medical practitioner or optometrist.

If you have lost your driver theory test certificate

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.

Adding another category to your category D (bus) learner permit

Apply online with MyGovID

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 add another category to your category D (bus) learner permit online you will need the following:

Apply in person at any NDLS centre

To add another driving licence category to your category D (bus) learner permit you will need the following:

Book an appointment online or walk in to any NDLS centre

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.

Back to top ↺

Apply for a category D learner permit when you already hold a full category B (car and light van) licence

Apply online with MyGovID

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 online for a learner permit in category D (bus), with an existing full licence in category B, you will need the following:

Apply in person at any NDLS centre

To apply for a learner permit in category D (bus), with an existing full licence in category B, you will need the following:

Book an appointment online or walk in to any NDLS centre

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.

Back to top ↺

Learner Permit FAQS

If I don't wear glasses do I still need an eyesight report?

You may need an eyesight report if your medical practitioner refers you to an optometrist.

Everyone applying for a learner permit for a category D (bus) vehicle must also submit a medical report form. Your medical practitioner may also refer you to an optometrist to have an eyesight report form completed.

If I have no medical issues do I still need a medical report?

Yes. Everyone applying for a learner permit for a category D (bus) vehicle must also submit a medical report form.

Back to top ↺