APPLYING FOR THE LEARNER PERMIT
ATTENTION: From Tuesday, October 29th 2013, The NDLS will take over the service of processing from the Motor Tax Office. Until October 25th 2013, you may continue to apply for your driving license or driver permit at you local Motor Tax office.
WHAT IS THE NDLS?
The National Driver License Service (NDLS) is a relatively new entity. It’s the organization which now receives applications and then issues learner permits and driver’s licenses. Applicants for these documents must apply in person to one of the NDLS centres around Ireland. This is different from previous years, when applicants went to their local Motor Tax office.
HOURS OF NDLS CENTRES
The centres began to open around the country on October 29, 2013. The centres operate from 9 am until 5 pm, Monday through Friday. They’re also open on Saturdays from 9 am through 2 pm. Note: The centers are open through lunchtime (1 pm – 2 pm).
LOCATIONS
Every county in the Republic of Ireland has at least one NDLS centre. A total of 34 centres will be introduced nationwide. The aim of the centres is to provide service for 95% of the population within 50 km of their radius.
COST
Driver’s license and learner permit fees are the same as they’ve always been.
- 10 YEAR FULL LICENSE IS €55
- THREE YEAR FULL LICENSE IS €35
- ONE YEAR FULL LICENSE IS €25
Learner’s permits will continue to be €35. Replacing your current paper driver’s license or learner’s permit with a new one also costs €35.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND IDENTIFICATION
Your photo and signature are digitally captured right at the NDLS centre by a Customer Service Agent. There is no additional fee for this service, since it’s part of the overall cost of both the learner permit and the driver’s license application fee.
In order to process your application, you need to bring the following to your face-to-face with the NDLS Customer Service Agent:
Your current driver’s license or learner’s permit
A passport, Garga Identity Card or other confirmation of your identity
