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How to Get a Full Driving Licence in Ireland

After your learner permit, you need to complete EDT lessons and pass your driving test before applying for a full licence. Here's exactly what the process involves — costs, timelines, and what to bring to the NDLS.

⏱ 6 min read✓ Updated 2026🇮🇪 Ireland
Driving test fee
€85
Licence application fee
€55
EDT lessons required
12 lessons
Licence valid for
10 years
You must hold your learner permit for at least 6 months before taking your driving test There is a mandatory 6-month wait from the date your first learner permit was issued before you can sit the driving test. Plan your EDT lessons and test booking around this.

The full process — step by step

1

Hold a valid learner permit for at least 6 months

Your learner permit must have been issued at least 6 months before you sit your driving test. The clock starts from the date the permit was issued — not from when you started driving. If you're on your second or third permit renewal, the 6 months counts from your very first learner permit.

2

Complete 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons

EDT is a structured programme of 12 lessons with an approved driving instructor (ADI). Each lesson covers a specific topic — from basic vehicle control to driving on national roads and night driving. You must complete all 12 before you can book your driving test. Lessons are logged on the RSA's online system by your instructor.

EDT lessons typically cost €40–€60 each depending on your area. Budget approximately €500–€700 for the full programme.

3

Book your driving test

Book at rsa.ie. The driving test costs €85. Waiting times vary — typically 8–16 weeks depending on your test centre. Dublin centres often have the longest waits. Book as early as possible, ideally before you finish your EDT lessons.

You can cancel and rebook up to 5 working days before the test without losing your fee. If you cancel inside 5 days, you lose the €85.

4

Pass your driving test

The test lasts approximately 30–40 minutes and covers pre-drive checks, general driving competency, specific manoeuvres (reverse around a corner, turnabout, hill start), and response to road signs and markings. You are allowed a maximum of 6 grade 2 faults (minor) and zero grade 3 faults (serious/dangerous) to pass.

If you fail, you can rebook immediately. There is no minimum waiting period between attempts. Your test certificate is valid for 2 years — apply for your full licence within this period.

5

Apply for your full licence at the NDLS

Bring your driving test pass certificate, current learner permit, proof of address, eye test report, and the D401 application form. Pay €55. Your licence will arrive by post within 5–10 working days.

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Documents needed at the NDLS

Full licence application documents

Driving test pass certificateOriginal certificate from the RSA. Must be within 2 years of the pass date.
Current learner permitMust be valid. If expired, renew it before applying — even if you have the pass cert.
Proof of addressUtility bill, bank statement, or official letter. Dated within 3 months, showing your name and Irish address.
Eye test report (D502)Completed and signed by a registered optician or GP. Must be less than 1 month old.
Completed D401 application formDownload from ndls.ie and complete before your appointment.
€55 feePayable by card or cash at the NDLS centre.
Expired learner permit = no full licence If your learner permit expired before you applied for your full licence, you need to renew it first — even if you have a valid driving test pass cert. Don't let this catch you out.

Related guides

Essential Driver Training (EDT)

The 12 lessons explained — what each one covers

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Your NDLS appointment

What to bring and what happens on the day

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Processing times

How long your licence takes to arrive

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Getting a learner permit

Start here if you haven't got your permit yet

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