Drive alone
Full licence only
Motorways
Full licence only
Alcohol limit
0mg on permit
L-plates required
Permit holders only
Summary comparison
Learner permit restrictions
Must be accompaniedYou must have a qualified driver in the front passenger seat at all times. They must hold a full Irish or EU licence for the same category for at least 2 years.
Must display L-platesOne on the front and one on the back of the vehicle at all times. Not displaying L-plates is a penalty point offence.
Cannot drive on motorwaysLearner permit holders are prohibited from driving on any motorway in Ireland — even with an accompanying driver present.
Zero alcohol limitThe legal blood alcohol limit for learner drivers is 0 mg/100ml — not 50mg as for full licence holders. Any alcohol is illegal.
Cannot carry passengers for rewardYou cannot charge for transporting passengers or drive as part of a paid job on a learner permit.
Permit expires after 2 yearsUnlike a full licence (valid 10 years), a learner permit expires after 2 years and must be renewed if you haven't yet passed your test.
Full driving licence — what changes
Can drive aloneNo accompanying driver required. You can drive at any time of day or night, on any road type.
Can drive on motorwaysFull access to all road types including motorways and dual carriageways.
No L-plates requiredRemove your L-plates the day you get your full licence — but be aware that if you're a new driver, you may still want to be cautious in motorway traffic.
50mg alcohol limitThe standard limit of 50mg/100ml applies. Professional drivers and new drivers (within 2 years of passing) have a lower limit of 20mg.
Can act as accompanying driverAfter holding a full licence for 2 years, you can be the accompanying driver for a learner permit holder.
Valid for 10 yearsNo renewal needed for a decade — unless you turn 70, in which case shorter renewal periods apply.
Consequences of breaking learner permit rules
Driving unaccompanied on a learner permit is a criminal offenceNot a fixed charge — a criminal offence. You can be prosecuted, receive penalty points, and be disqualified. Your insurance will also be invalidated, meaning you'd be fully personally liable in any accident.
Driving on a motorway on a learner permitAlso a penalty point offence. Gardaí actively enforce this. If you're caught on a motorway on an L-plate, expect points and a fine.
New driver restrictions (first 2 years after passing)
Even after getting your full licence, there are additional restrictions in the first 2 years. The penalty point disqualification threshold is 7 points (not 12), and the alcohol limit for new drivers is 20mg/100ml (not 50mg). These restrictions lift automatically after 2 years with no action needed on your part.
Related guides
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