Learner driver loophole must be addressed – Currie

The loophole allowing learner drivers to repeatedly renew permits without ever sitting a test has to be dealt with, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Emer Currie said learner drivers can continually renew their permit by sending the Road Safety Authority (RSA) proof that they have applied for a driving test or that they are on a list for a driving test.

Deputy Currie said: “There is currently no rule that stops a learner driver from applying for their test, receiving a third or subsequent permit, and then not attending the test. According to the RSA who attended an Oireachtas Transport Committee in June, 56,000 people are on their third or more learner permits.

“The Minister previously said that once the RSA meets the ten-week waiting time goal, he will implement a ban on learner drivers applying for multiple permits. I want to thank the Minister for his work on bringing down the wait times, but now that the lists have fallen to a national average of just over ten weeks, there is no reason to delay closing the loophole any longer.

“In my view, a test should be implemented for anyone applying for their third or fourth provisional licence. At that stage they have had four years on the road as a learner.

“In addition to this being a road safety issue, too many learner drivers are applying for tests but failing to show up while continuing to renew their permits. It is a serious safety risk when inexperienced drivers are repeatedly avoiding their tests. Road safety should be our main priority, even one fatality is one too many.

“In 2024 alone, there were 8,863 no-shows. We’ve seen a reduction in driver waiting times the last few months, but we need to ensure any backlogs aren’t being contributed to by people booking tests just to keep their permit, with no intention of doing the test. Numbers of no-shows reached a high of 699 in June this year.

“While it’s positive to see the Department has indicated that regulations are being prepared and the RSA is finalising an implementation plan, we need to see action now.

“The Minister has outlined that he wants to introduce a ‘three strikes and you’re off the road’ rule, and that the regulation is ready but was held back until waiting times fell to ten weeks.

“We have reached the point where driving test waiting times have reduced significantly. The Minister must act immediately and implement the regulations. Road safety cannot wait any longer,” Deputy Currie concluded.