How do I apply for a Learner’s permit?

To learn to drive on public roads in Ireland, you need to have a learner permit from the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS)

You must always have your learner permit with you when you are driving.

You cannot take driving lessons without a valid learner permit.

In most cases, you cannot take a driving test until you have had your first learner permit for at least 6 months.

Read more about how to arrange and prepare for a driving test in Ireland.

This page provides practical guidance and advice on learner driving permits in Ireland.

Before applying for a learner permit, you need to ensure that you are eligible to learn to drive in Ireland and have the necessary documentation.

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 page on categories of motor vehicles and the minimum age of drivers.

Pass a driver theory test

Before applying for a learner permit, you must pass a test of motoring theory for the category of vehicle you want a licence to drive. This rule applies to anyone applying for a first learner permit in any vehicle category.

If your learner permit expired 5 or more years ago, you must pass the theory test again to get a new learner permit.

You can read more about the driver theory test.

You can apply for your first learner permit in 2 ways:

• Online at NDLS.ie
• In person by booking an appointment at an NDLS centre.

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.
• 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 you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, UK or Northern Ireland.
• A completed eyesight report form dated within one month.
• A completed medical report form dated within one month, if required in your case.
• A completed relevant driver certificate of professional competence (CPC), if required.
• Your application fee of €45.00. You can pay by credit or debit card. If you are 70 years or over, it is free.

You can apply for your first learner permit in person by booking an appointment at one of 34 NDLS centres nationwide. There is no walk-in service available.

You do not need to submit an application form. However, you must prove your identity and provide supporting documents.

Your photograph and signature will be taken at the NDLS centre.

To apply for your first learner permit at an NDLS centre, you need:

• To have successfully passed the driver theory test in the category to which you are applying
• Photo I.D.
• Proof of your personal public services number (PPSN)
• Evidence of address dated within the last 6 months
• Proof you are normally resident in Ireland, if your place of birth and nationality is outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, UK or Northern Ireland
• A completed NDLS eyesight report form, dated within one month
• A completed NDLS medical report form, dated within one month, if required in your case
• Evidence of a certificate of professional competence (CPC), if required
• Application fee of €45.00. You can pay by credit or debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay or PayZone voucher. If you are 70 or over, it is free.

The NDLS has published guidance on how to apply for your first learner permit (pdf). You can also read more about the process on NDLS.ie.

You must apply for your first learner driver permit in person at one of the NDLS centres. You can book an appointment online.

You may be able to renew your driving licence online if you are eligible and have a PSC and MyGovID verified account. Or, you can apply in person by booking an appointment.

See our pages about how to renew a Learner’s Permit and Learner Permit rules for specific categories.

You can also read more about the steps you need to take to learn to drive in Ireland.