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There was a 20 per cent increase in the number of learner drivers issued with fixed charge notices for driving unaccompanied in 2024.
And, in the first six months of 2025, some 4,707 drivers on learner’s permits have been fined for driving on Irish roads without a fully licensed driver in the car with them.
The figures were given to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly following a parliamentary question from Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.
Learner drivers are not allowed to drive on their own without being accompanied by someone who has had their driving licence for more than two years.
Minister O’Callaghan confirmed that those found in contravention of this rule may receive a Fixed Charge Notice and a fine of €160, along with two penalty points. If determined by a court, four penalty points may be issued.
However, he stated that “An Garda Síochána has advised that they are not in a position to report on accurate totals of penalty points issued, as penalty points can be issued in a judgment of a relevant Court on conviction for an offence”.
In 2023, some 8,815 learner drivers were given fixed charge notices for driving without a fully licensed driver.
This jumped by 20 per cent in 2024 to 10,579, the figures show.
As of June 4 this year, some 4,707 learner drivers have been caught.
In total, over the course of three years, gardaí have issued 24,101 fixed charge penalty notices.
The Minister also provided Deputy Farrelly with a breakdown of the policing districts where the learner drivers had been caught.
The highest number of fixed charge notices was issued in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) Western. This captures parts of Dublin 15, including Blanchardstown, and areas of Dublin City and South Dublin County Council.
This was followed by DMR Northern, which encompasses districts like Ballymun, Coolock, Raheny and Balbriggan. In the two-and-a-half-year period, some 2,314 learner drivers were caught driving unaccompanied.
This was followed by Kildare/Carlow (1,632), DMR Southern (1,527) and Wexford/Kilkenny (1,503).
The fewest number of unaccompanied drivers who received fixed charge notices was in Sligo/Leitrim, where just 268 drivers were penalised.
This was followed by Donegal (278), DMR Eastern (567), Mayo/Roscommon/Longford (670), Limerick (694) and Clare/Tipperary (822).
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