Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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152. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on his Department’s efforts to close a loophole where learner drivers repeatedly renew their permits without sitting a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51822/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Department is committed, under Action 7B of the Road Safety Strategy Phase 2 Action Plan, to addressing the matter of learner drivers with multiple successive learner permits. It is intended to require learner permit holders to complete a driver test prior to renewal after holding a permit for 4 years. If a learner holds a two year permit, this will be required when seeking a third permit.

It is also intended that any application for renewal after 7 years of holding a learner permit will be treated as a first learner permit application, requiring the learner to begin the learning to drive process from the start (theory test, learner permit, 12 Essential Driver Training lessons, practical test).

The Department is working on secondary legislation to provide for the changes and the RSA is in the process of finalising an implementation plan.