How to renew a driving learner 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 it with you when you are driving.

Learner permits can only be renewed twice without taking a test.

After that, you must apply for a driving test or have unsuccessfully taken a driving test in the previous 2 years.

• First and second learner permit usually lasts for 2 years each.
• Third or later permits, you must have either applied for a driving test or failed a driving test in the last 2 years.

The length of your third or later permit depends on your situation.

• If you fail a test in the past 2 years, your permit will be valid for 2 years.
• If you have applied for or booked a test (but have not yet taken it), your permit will be valid for 1 year.

You can renew your learner permit up to 3 months before it expires and within 5 years after expiry.

From 1 November 2026, new regulations will come into effect to ensure that learner drivers can no longer repeatedly renew their learner permits without taking a driving test. There will also no longer be any medical exemption from taking a driving test when renewing a learner permit.

To renew:

• A third permit, you will have to have taken a driving test within the last 2 years. It will be valid for 2 years.
• A fourth permit, you will have to have taken a driving test within the last 2 years. It will only be valid for 1 year.
• After 7 years or 4 permits, you cannot renew again, you will have to begin the learning to drive process again.

If a permit expires for 2 years or more, you will have to start again from the beginning.

More information and FAQs are available from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the NDLS websites.

You can renew your learner permit online with a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account.

You need to have:

• 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.
• Completed medical report form dated within one month, if required in your case.
• Your application fee of €45.00. You can pay by credit or debit card. If you are 70 years or over, it is free.

Read more about the online application process on the NDLS website.

You can apply to renew your 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 renew your learner permit at an NDLS centre, you need:

• Photo ID
• Proof of your personal public services number (PPSN)
• A completed NDLS medical report form, dated within one month, if required in your case
• Evidence of address dated within the last 6 months, if your current address is not on your learner’s permit and it differs from the one you gave when you applied for a PSC.
• Proof you are normally resident in Ireland, if your place of birth and nationality is outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, UK or Northern Ireland
• Application fee of €45.00. You can pay by credit or debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay or PayZone voucher. If you are aged 70 years or over, it is free.

You can get information on how to update or replace your learner permit, see our pages about:

• Updating your driving licence or learner permit
• Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged driving licence or learner permit
• How do I apply for a Learner’s Permit?
• Learner Permit rules for specific categories