Loophole that let learner drivers never sit a test is shut down - but new rules won't come into effect for a year

"Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety, Seán Canney, today signed regulations that mean learner drivers who have held a category A, A1, A2, AM, B or W permit for four years will have to sit a full driving test before being allowed to renew their permit. A loophole in the law that was repeatedly highlighted by road safety activists means that currently, learners can renew their permits repeatedly if they can show they have booked or scheduled a driving test - but not necessarily sat it."

"Welcoming the signing of the regulations, under the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations (S.I. 537 of 2006), Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said road safety was a priority for the Government. "The purpose of these regulations is to encourage learners to become fully qualified drivers. It is vital that learner drivers complete the learning process, and are discouraged from holding learner permits without ever taking a driving test," he said. "This is one of a range of actions conducted under the Road Safety Strategy with the aim of reducing the number of road deaths and serious injuries by 50pc by 2030, working toward the ultimate goal of Vision Zero (no road deaths or serious injuries) by 2050.""

"A statement from Minister Canney noted that nearly one in five holders of category B learner permits have renewed their licences three or more times. with nearly 60pc of this group, around 38,000 people, yet to sit a test."

Regulations require learner drivers who have held category A, A1, A2, AM, B or W permits for four years to sit a full driving test before renewal. A loophole that allowed repeated renewals by showing a booked test is closed. Provisional drivers who have held a learner permit for seven years must retake the theory test, reapply for a learner permit, complete 12 mandatory lessons, and pass a practical test. Nearly one in five category B learners have renewed three or more times, with about 60% of that group yet to sit a test. The measures support targets to cut road deaths and serious injuries.

Read at Irish Independent