How to renew your Irish car learner permit

This guide covers category B car learner permit holders who do not already hold a full category B driving licence. Check your permit expiry date and apply before it expires. You can apply within the three months before expiry. If it has already expired, check whether you can still renew. Do not drive on an expired learner permit, even if you have already applied for renewal.

If you hold a full category B licence for an automatic car and are learning to drive a manual car, NDLS says the new test requirement does not apply to you. Check your circumstances with NDLS. NDLS frequently asked questions

The rules changed on 1 November 2026. Eligibility depends on your permit history and whether you have taken a driving test. RSA: multiple learner permits

Can you renew?

• First permit: you can apply for a second without having taken a driving test.
• Third or fourth permit, or a car category held for at least four but less than seven years: you must have taken a driving test in the car category within the previous two years. Booking or applying alone is not enough. You do not need to have passed the test to meet this requirement.
• Normally there is no fifth car learner permit. If you have held the car category for seven years or more, NDLS says you must restart the learning-to-drive process. Medically restricted permit durations can affect the number of permits; ask NDLS about your circumstances.

A permit may be shorter for medical reasons. That is separate from the previous medical exemption from taking a driving test for renewal, which the RSA says has ended. RSA: multiple learner permits

The RSA and NDLS rule-change guidance says a category expired for two years or more cannot be renewed. However, another RSA page says renewal is possible up to two years and a new application is needed after more than two years. The exact anniversary is unclear from these sources: do not assume an application on that day will be accepted. Contact NDLS promptly if you are near the boundary. RSA rule changes · RSA expired permit answer · Contact NDLS

For the legal wording on prior permits and tests, see the regulations. Road Traffic regulations, S.I. 527 of 2025

Where and what to prepare

Apply online through NDLS with a Public Services Card and verified MyGovID, or book an appointment at an NDLS centre. The application fee is €45; applicants aged 70 or over are exempt. Check the current list for your circumstances before applying. NDLS renewal requirements and application

• Check your expiry date, category and how long you have held it.
• For a third or fourth car permit, check the date and category of the test you took.
• Online: have your Public Services Card and verified MyGovID ready. In person: book an appointment and check the permit, PPSN evidence and ID requirements.
• Check whether you need address, residence or medical documents, and have the fee or exemption details ready.

If you need to restart, the RSA says the process includes a new theory test, a first learner permit and completing the required EDT again. Check the applicable steps with NDLS and RSA. RSA: restart and renewal questions

Sources checked 14 November 2026