Over 2,000 learner permit holders in Carlow/Kilkenny facing new rules from next year

New legislation will require learner drivers to sit their driving tests within the first four years.

It will prevent people from repeatedly renewing their learner permits without sitting a test.

The regulations were signed off by Junior Transport Minister Sean Canney today, and will come into effect from November first next year.

Learners who have held a permit for seven years will have to begin the “learning to drive” process again, which means they’ll have to re-do the theory test, obtain a new learner permit, take 12 essential driving lessons, and sit a practical test.

Currently there is 1,156 of Category B (car) Learner Permit Holders on their third or subsequent permit while the number is 894 in Carlow.