How Quickly Can I Get a Driving Licence in Ireland?
Any number of circumstances could arise meaning you might need a driving licence in a short period of time. These include a new job whose responsibilities that requires you drive a vehicle, a commute that isn’t feasible with public transport, or family reasons that mean you’ve got to shuttle people around.
If you’ve been wondering, “how quickly can I learn to drive?”, you’ve come to the right place. This DrivingClass.ie article will walk you through the process and give you a realistic timeframe for each of the steps involved.
- Getting Your Provisional Licence
The first step to learning how to drive, is acquiring a provisional licence. This process is relatively straightforward, but it can take up to 20 working days.
It involves filling out a D201 Learner Permit application form and bringing it to your local National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre along with proof of your PPS number, evidence of address, and an eyesight report.
Once you’ve successfully submitted your application, you should generally expect to wait about two weeks for your provisional licence to be issued.
You can find the location of your nearest NDSL here.
2. Passing the The Driver Theory Test
The Driver Theory Test (DTT) is the next step on your driving journey. This test examines your knowledge of road rules, best driving practices, and hazard perception. A pass in the DTT is required before you can apply for certain driving permits.
Studying for the DTT can take up to a few weeks, depending on how much time you have available to dedicate to it. We suggest giving yourself at least four to six weeks of study time. However, the speed at which you learn the material is subjective and can vary from person to person.
For example, if English isn’t your first language, give yourself a little more time to understand some of the more complex vocabulary.
3. Getting your first-time learner permit
After passing the Driver Theory Test (DTT) in Ireland, you can apply for your first-time learner permit online, which is a straightforward process that doesn’t require paper forms, making appointments, or visiting an NDLS center in person.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Ensure you have a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account. If you don’t have a Public Services Card, you’ll need to book an appointment with your local Intreo office.
- Have proof of address dated within the last six months if your current address differs from the one provided when you applied for your Public Services Card.
- If your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA, provide proof that you are normally resident in Ireland.
- Complete and sign an eyesight report form or a medical report form if applicable, both dated within one month.
- Pay the application fee of €35.00 via credit/debit card. However, if you’re 70 years and over, you’re exempt from paying the fee.
Once your application is submitted, the processing time for your learner permit can vary, but generally, it is processed and sent out within about 3 weeks.
4. Practice makes perfect
With your provisional licence secured, it’s time to practice for the practical exam.
The time it takes to learn to drive depends to a large extent on how often you practice. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) suggests that most learners need at least 40 hours of practice to prepare for the driving test.
These hours are often spread out over several months to allow for continuous learning and mastery of skills. Consider a weekly or biweekly driving lesson with a qualified driving instructor, coupled with private practice if possible.
Let’s say, that on average, this takes 3 months, but it’s possible to do it within six weeks if you’re diligent and have access to a car to practice in with an experienced driver.
5. Passing the Irish Driving Test
Once you feel that you’ve logged enough practice hours and your driving instructor feels that you’re ready, it’s time to take the driving test.
Keep in mind that the waiting period for a driving test can vary. As of 2023, the average waiting time for a driving test in Ireland is roughly eight weeks, although bear in mind that this can be reduced if you can prove there are special circumstances (such as those outlined in the first paragraph).
Concluding remarks
The process from getting your provisional licence to passing your driving test typically takes around six months. However, with diligence, and the use of a car for practice, we estimate it’s possible that this could be reduced to around two to three months.
We know you may be in a rush, but it’s crucial to ensure that you’re confident and competent before taking the driving test.
When you are practising, count on DrivingClass.ie for access to the driving instructors in your area at a time that works for you.
