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. Candidates must pass a motoring theory test appropriate to the category of vehicle they wish to drive before applying for a learner permit. This rule applies to anyone applying for a first learner permit in any vehicle category. Also, you will have to sit the theory test again if your permit expired five or more years ago. 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:
- To have successfully passed the driver theory test in the category you are applying for in the previous 2 years.
- Proof of your address dated within the last 6 months if your current address differs from the one you provided when you applied for your PSC.
- Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA.
- Fully completed eyesight report form dated within 3 months.
- Fully completed medical report form dated within the last 3 months, if required in your case.
- Completed relevant driver certificate of professional competence (CPC), if required.
- You can pay for your application fee by credit or debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay. If you are aged 70 years or over you are exempt from paying the fee.