How do I apply for a learner permit

Before applying for a learner permit, you need to make sure you are eligible to learn to drive in Ireland and have the documentation you require.

Rules

To apply for a learner permit for any vehicle, you must:

  • Be normally resident in Ireland. You are considered to be normally resident in Ireland if you usually live here for at least 185 days in each calendar year.
  • Meet the age requirement. Before you can apply for a licence to drive a vehicle in Ireland, you must be a certain age. If you are under 16 years of age, you must not use any vehicle in a public place. For more information, see our document on categories of motor vehicles and minimum age of drivers.
  • Pass a driver theory test. Before applying for a learner permit, candidates must pass a test of motoring theory appropriate to the category of vehicle (pdf) they wish to be licenced to drive. This rule applies to anyone applying for a first learner permit in any vehicle category. If your learner permit expired five or more years ago, you must pass the theory test again before a new learner permit will be issued. You can read more about the driver theory test.

How to apply online for your first learner permit

If you have a Public Services Card (PSC) and a verified MyGovID account, you can apply for your first learner permit online. To do this, you need: