Surge in learner drivers skipping tests sparks concern
Dublin: The number of learner drivers renewing their permits without sitting driving tests has risen sharply, according to new government figures.
Data released by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in response to a parliamentary question from Fine Gael TD Emer Currie shows that more than 1,000 applicants failed to appear for their driving tests in each of the past two months. In July, 1,043 no-shows were recorded, rising to a record 1,103 in August. The previous monthly high was 832 in March 2024.
Road safety campaign group PARC described the trend as deeply concerning, warning that many learner drivers are deliberately missing appointments in order to exploit loopholes in the licensing system. Chairperson Susan Gray said the RSA is enabling drivers to bypass the test by allowing permit renewals without proof of sitting the exam.
Currently, a learner driver may hold a permit for up to two years and can obtain a third permit if they have booked a test within the previous two years, even if they fail to attend. RSA figures also show that around 56,000 motorists currently hold three or more learner permits, with an estimated 11,000 drivers having remained on learner status for over two decades.
The no-show rate has steadily increased, rising from 2.2% in 2022 to 3.4% in both 2024 and 2025. In the first eight months of this year, out of 172,000 scheduled tests, 5,900 applicants failed to attend.
Deputy Currie criticised the practice, saying it was unacceptable to allow L-drivers to “indefinitely dodge” taking a test while continuing to renew their permits.
Minister of State for Transport Sean Kenny previously pledged to close the loophole, announcing that drivers holding learner permits for four years would be required to sit a test before renewal. However, the Department of Transport has confirmed the change has not yet been implemented.
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