If your learner permit expires
No matter what type of vehicle you drive, you may get a third and subsequent learner permit only if you show that you have taken a driving test within the previous two years.
If you have not taken the test, you must give: evidence that you have applied to sit your driving test for that category of vehicle, or satisfy the NDLS that because of illness (as certified by a registered medical practitioner), you were not in a position to take a driving test.
‘Six-month rule’
If you are a first time holder of a learner permit for categories A, A2, A1, B, AM or W – that is, someone who never held a learner permit (or whose learner permit has expired by more than 5 years) in the category, you are not allowed to take a driving test for a six-month period after the start date of your permit. This is to allow you to gain experience of driving. Research shows that the longer a learner is supervised while driving, the less likely they are to be involved in a collision.
The ‘six-month rule’ does not apply to: category BE vehicles; the holder of a category A1 or A2 full licence who wishes to move progressively from the lower category of bike to the next higher category by having held the lower category for a minimum of 2 years; the holder of a current full driving licence in the same category from another country for more than 6 months, provided the holder forwards a current original driving licence and a letter of entitlement to the RSA from the recognised licensing authority in that country.
If you have any questions about getting a learner permit, visit www.ndls.ie or contact the NDLS by email at info@ndls.ie or through their Customer Services at 076 1087 880.