learner permit allows you to drive on all public roads, except motorways, for the purposes of learning to drive a car or light van with trailer and only when accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or someone who has held a full, valid driving icence in the same category for more than two years.
However, to help keep you and others safe while you learn, some restrictions apply:
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 a car or light van trailer with an Approved Driving Instructor and accompanying driver or sponsor.
You must have previously passed a category B (car or light van) theory test before you can apply for a category BE learner permit. If you got your first category B learner permit before the introduction of the theory test on 25 April 2001, you must complete a theory test before applying for a category BE learner permit
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.
No. There is no requirement for you to wait for six months before taking the category BE (car & light van with trailer) driving test. You should, however, use the time between receiving your permit and taking your test to practice safe driving with a trailer with an Approved Driving Instructor or accompanying driver who has held a full category BE driving licence for at least two years.
More details about the six-month rule.
No. You're not required to take Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons before sitting your category BE (car & light van with trailer) driving test.
However, it's important that you get plenty of practice towing a trailer. You should practice towing techniques, reversing, hitching and unhitching and other aspects of safe driving with a trailer with an Approved Driving Instructor or accompanying driver who has held a full valid category BE driving licence for at least two years. This will help you pass your test first time round. What's more, you will become a better, safer driver.