Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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217. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the length of time for all second permit holders to be written to by the Road Safety Authority in 2026; to provide details of what the RSA will communicate in these letters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64650/25]

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 regulations to ensure learner drivers can no longer repeatedly renew their permits without taking a driving test have been signed. SI 527/2025 - the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025, will come into effect on 1 November 2026.

From November 2026, learners with a permit in categories A, A1, A2 (motorcycle), AM, B (car) or W (tractor) for four years must have taken a practical driving test in the previous two years before they can renew their permit. For most learners, this will be for their third permit. If they have not taken a test, they cannot renew their permit.

Learners with one-year permits will have the same amount of time to complete the learning to drive process as those on two-year permits.

This is a road safety measure, to ensure that learners do not remain on learner permits indefinitely without ever taking a test and to encourage learners to become qualified drivers.

The Road Safety Authority will be in contact with learners affected in due course, setting out the changes and providing information regarding testing options and supports available .Accordingly, I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.