06/11/2025
Changes to the learner permit system will take effect from 1 November 2026.
What’s Changing
From 1 November 2026, new conditions will apply to learner drivers applying for their third or subsequent learner permit across vehicle categories B (car), W (tractor/work vehicle), A, A1, A2 (motorcycles) and AM (mopeds):
To obtain a third or fourth learner permit, a person must have taken a driving test in that category within the previous two years.
The fourth learner permit will be valid for one year only.
After seven years (four permits or more), a learner will no longer be able to renew and will instead need to restart the learning-to-drive process — beginning with the driver theory test, learner permit, and the required12 EDT sessions with an RSA Approved Driving Instructor.
If a learner permit has expired for two years or more, the holder must also restart the process.
There will no longer be exemptions from taking a driving test for medical reasons, and learners who previously received reduced Essential Driver Training (REDT) sessions (for example, due to holding a foreign licence) will not be able to avail of that exemption again.
