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:
In order to give yourself enough time to practice safe truck driving, we recommend that you take driving lessons with an RSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) before you take your driving test.
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 learner permit for a category C (truck) 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.
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:
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 provide documentary evidence that you have booked or sat and failed the driving test in the previous two years.
If you can provide evidence that you have sat and failed a driving test in the previous two years you will be issued with a two-year permit.
If you can provide evidence that you have an upcoming test you will be issued with a one-year learner permit.
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 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 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 C (truck) learner permit online you will need the following:
To add another driving licence category to your category C (truck) learner permit 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 may need an eyesight report if your medical practitioner refers you to an optometrist.
Everyone applying for a learner permit for a category C (truck) 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.
Yes. Everyone applying for a learner permit for a categoryC (truck) vehicle must also submit a medical report form.