At its4women we’re always watching for changes that affect drivers across Ireland — and now there’s an important update for anyone holding a learner permit.

What’s changing for learner drivers?

From 1 November 2026, the rules around learner permits for car category B (and other categories) will change significantly.

Here are the key points:

• If you’ve held a learner permit for four years, you will need to have taken a practical driving test before you can renew the permit.

• After seven years or four permits, you will have to restart the whole driving-process: theory test, learner permit, required lessons and practical driving test.

• The aim of the changes is to close a long-standing “loophole” where some drivers repeatedly renew learner permits without ever sitting a driving test. For example, as of September 2025, almost 63,000 learner permit-holders in category B had renewed their permit three or more times — and about 38,000 had never taken a test.

Why this matters

• Holding a learner permit long-term without taking the test keeps you in a “learner” status rather than becoming a fully-licensed driver — and that can impact things like insurance, confidence and freedom on the road.

• For those of you looking for a straightforward journey from learner to fully-licensed driver, this change means you’ll want to plan ahead rather than remain in limbo.

• At its4women in partnership with Ladybird Driving School, believe in doing it right the first time, building experience behind the wheel, then moving on to the full licence — so you’re safer and more confident on Ireland’s roads.

What learner drivers should do now

Here are our recommendations:

1. Check your permit date: When did you first get it? How many renewals have you had? If you’re approaching four years, it’s time to make a plan.

2. Book lessons and test early: Partnering with Ladybird Driving School means you can get structured lessons, build your confidence and aim to sit the practical test sooner rather than later — thereby avoiding being forced back to the start.

3. Use this as a stepping-stone: Think of the learner permit as just that — a stepping-stone to the full licence. With expert instruction and preparation, you’ll maximise your chance of passing first time.

4. Check the implications for your insurance: As a broker, its4women knows that fully-licensed drivers often benefit from better insurance terms (depending on experience, claims history, etc.). Holding a learner permit for a long time may carry additional loading or restrictions.

5. Stay informed: The changes apply from November 2026, so you have time — but don’t wait until the last minute. The earlier you act, the more options you’ll have.

How its4women can help learner drivers

At its4women, we want to see you move confidently from learner permit to full driving licence — and we’re here to help make that happen.

Through our partnership with Ladybird Driving School, one of Ireland’s leading and highest-rated driving schools, we’re helping learner drivers gain the skills, experience and confidence to pass the driving test first time.

Whether you’re just starting out or have had your permit for a while, structured driving lessons with Ladybird give you the professional guidance and practice hours you need to reach test-ready standard.

By booking your driving lessons directly through its4women, you’ll get access to:

• RSA-approved instructors with a proven track record of helping learners pass

• Tailored lesson plans that focus on your weak spots and test preparation

• Confidence-building support to help you feel calm, capable and ready for your test day

• Expert advice on next steps once you achieve your full licence — including car insurance that suits new full licence holders

The new learner-permit rules make it more important than ever to commit to your lessons and get your driving test booked. With its4women and Ladybird Driving School, you’ll have the tools, training and support to go from L-plates to full licence with confidence.

Don’t delay, take your test today!

If you’re in Ireland and holding a learner permit, this is a time to take action rather than wait. The new regulations mean that staying on a learner permit indefinitely is no longer a viable option. At its4women with Ladybird Driving School we’re supporting you every step of the way — from lessons, through to test-day, and then onward to full licences and comprehensive car cover.
Check out our driving lesson packages here.

Prices subject to minimum premiums and our underwriting criteria. Offers available for new ROI customers only. MCL Insurance Services (Ireland) Ltd trading as its4women.ie is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Terms and Conditions apply.