Regulations now in effect mean that learner drivers who have held a permit in category A, A1, A2, AM, B or W for four years will have to take a practical driving test before renewing their permit.

In addition, learners who have held a learner permit for seven years will have to begin the learning to drive process again. For learners in category B (car), this process is made up of a theory test, obtaining a learner permit, taking 12 Essential Driver Training lessons, and sitting a practical test.

Previously, learners could renew their permits multiple times if they have booked or scheduled a driving test.

Data from the Road Safety Authority shows that nearly one in five holders of category B learner permits have renewed their licences three or more times. Almost 60 per cent of this group have yet to sit a driving test, approximately 38,000 people.

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien said: “Road safety is a priority for this government, and ensuring that all drivers are properly trained and qualified is essential to achieving this goal.

“The purpose of these regulations is to encourage learners to become fully-qualified drivers. It is vital that learner drivers complete the learning process, and are discouraged from holding learner permits without ever taking a driving test.

“This is one of a range of actions conducted under the Road Safety Strategy with the aim of reducing the number of road deaths and serious injuries by 50 per cent by 2030, working toward the ultimate goal of Vision Zero (no road deaths or serious injuries) by 2050.”

Séan Canney, minister of state with responsibility for road safety, said: “These regulations are an important development in advancing road safety and will fulfil one of the key actions of Phase 2 of the Road Safety Strategy Action Plan — to end the practice whereby learner drivers can roll over learner permits without the requirement to sit a test.

“A learner permit is not a driving licence. It permits people to drive on public roads when accompanied by a qualified driver, to gain the experience necessary to drive safely.

“Until a learner can meet the required standard and pass a driving test, they cannot be judged safe to drive unaccompanied on public roads.

“Completing the learning to drive process is crucial to ensure that drivers have the skills and confidence to drive on our roads.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility and ensuring that every driver is properly trained and qualified is a central commitment.”