Starting the process of learning to drive in Ireland can be daunting. There’s so much to figure out between the theory test, your learner permit, driving lessons, car insurance and the driving test! This is why we’ve created this guide on things you need to know before learning to drive.
Pass the theory test
Before you can apply for a Learner Permit, you have to pass your driver theory test.
The test examines your knowledge of the rules of the road including hazard awareness, risk perception and good driving behaviour. The test includes 40 multiple choice questions and you must answer 35 of them correctly to pass. Once you have successfully passed the test, a pass or fail result will appear on screen and you will also receive an email with a link to view your score report.
Apply for your learner permit
Once you pass your theory test, you can apply for your learner permit online through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) website. To apply for your learner permit online, you will need the following:
A public services card and a verified MyGovID
Your theory test results
Payment for the application fee. The fee is not applicable if you are aged 70+ years
Eyesight test results dated within the last month
A completed medical report form dated within the last month, if required
Proof of your current address
Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth/nationality is outside the EU/EEA
A certificate of professional competence (CPC), this is only required if you are, or wish to become, a professional driver e.g. a truck or bus driver
Driving on a learner permit
It’s important to note that when you have a learner permit, you can only drive when you are accompanied by a person who has held a full, valid licence in the same category as you for two years or more. If an unaccompanied driver is found driving their car, penalties will apply. So be sure to always drive accompanied by a qualified driver.
L plates & N plates
As a learner driver, you must display the red L plates on the front and back of the vehicle you are driving. It’s important to note that the L plate should be a red ‘L’ on a white background.
Once you have passed your driving test, you will then need to display N plates. These are novice plates and they must be displayed for a period of two years.
Where should I put my L or N plates?
Your L or N plates need to be visible on both the front and back of the vehicle, without obstructing your view of the road and other drivers.
What happens if I don’t put L or N plates on my car?
If you fail to display your L or N plates you can be fined and given penalty points. These fines and penalty points will put your licence at risk, and it may also affect your car insurance premium.
Driving lessons
To help you get started learning how to drive, AXA has teamed up with the Irish School of Motoring (ISM) to give young learner drivers an exclusive offer. The offer gives AXA customers access to 12 EDT driving lessons with the ISM for a discounted price of €495.
How many driving lessons do I need in Ireland?
In Ireland, you are required to do 12 EDT driving lessons before applying for a driving test. EDT, or Essential Driver Training, is a course of 12 one-hour lessons to teach learner drivers the fundamental skills to drive.
Each one-hour lesson will cover different areas of driving skill and knowledge, so when you’ve completed all 12 lessons you will have the skills necessary to hit the road and practice before you sit your driving test.
How much are driving lessons in Ireland?
Driving lessons are one of the most costly elements of learning to drive for young people. It’s important to do your research to try to find a competitive rate for your driving lessons.
One good rate is our discounted offer on driving lessons with the ISM for just €495.
The Driving Test
You will be eligible to sit your driving test once you have held your learner permit for six months and have completed your 12 EDT driving lessons. Joanna Clarke, Senior Driving Instructor from the ISM advises learner drivers to apply for the driving test as soon as possible. As the test slots are allocated in order of date of application, applying early will ensure that you receive a test date without delay once you become eligible to sit the test.
Preparation for the driving test is key, so be sure to check out our driving test tips guide to help you be prepared and confident on the day of your test.
Young Driver Insurance
Another perk of AXA’s partnership with the Irish School of Motoring is that if you complete your 12 driving lessons within 6 months, we’ll discount your car insurance by up to €400 if you have your own policy.
What’s more? If you don’t have your own car yet and wish to become a named driver on somebody else’s policy, we’ll offer a 50% discount off the additional premium, up to €400.
If you didn’t do your driving lessons through our offer with the ISM, be sure to check out our young driver insurance policy offering. It provides you with the same great cover and benefits as our car insurance policy holders, giving you peace of mind when you hit the road!
Tax, Insurance & NCT
It’s important to make sure that you have an up-to-date tax disc for your car, that your car is insured and that it is deemed roadworthy by having a valid National Car Test (NCT) certificate (if your car is more than four years old).
