Learner drivers will be expected to take the driving test every time they want to renew their permit, according to new plans revealed by Government. 

Government hopes the measure can be brought across the line by year-end. 

Some 30,000 people are on at least their third learner permit, according to the Road Safety Authority. 

Junior Minister for Transport Jack Chambers said the reform would act as an incentive to do the test. 

“We are bringing forwards and legislative changes which will force learner drivers to set a driving test before they can renew their learner permits,” he said. 

“Presently, people can renew their learner's permit by only booking a test; this is resulting in an anomaly which is of concern to many.” 

Wait time for learner drivers

Mr Chambers added many people treat the learner’s permit as if it is a full licence.

He also said issues within the current system will be tackled next year before reform is made to learner’s permits. 

“In the first instance, we're determined to bring down the wait times that learner drivers are waiting for a driving test,” he said. 

“We want to bring that to a 10-week wait time by the middle of 2024. 

“After that, then we'll be bringing forward legislative changes to make sure we have a higher bar when people are renewing their learner permits to make sure there's an incentive to actually sit the driving test.” 

Road safety

Cabinet recently approved the publication of Road Traffic Bill 2023. Mr Chambers previously said he wants to “accelerate” through the Oireachtas. 

The bill includes drug testing at the scene of the crash, penalty points reform and reducing speed limits.

Some 181 people have died on Irish roads this year, compared to 155 in 2022 and 141 in 2019. 

Mr Chambers previously said he is particularly concerned about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists on Irish roads.