Penalty Points for Learner and Novice Drivers | RedClick

Know the Specific Penalty Points for Learner and Novice Drivers

"Non-display of N plates is an offence under traffic law and is punishable by a fine not exceeding €1,000 for a first offence."

As the first two years of driving are considered to be the highest risk, these measures were brought in as a way of reducing risk and encouraging good driving behaviour.

Here are the key rules you should be aware of:

A person granted a first full driving licence on or after August 1st, 2014 must display N-plates on the vehicle for a period of two years.
Any period where the person is disqualified or otherwise ceases to hold a licence is not counted as part of the two years as a novice.
The novice period applies only once, i.e., a person who holds a driving licence for a category of vehicle and who after a period of two years becomes entitled to drive another category, does not become a novice in respect of the new category.
Non-display of N plates is an offence under traffic law and is punishable by a fine not exceeding €1,000 for a first offence.
On becoming a penalty point offence, failure to display an N-plate will carry two penalty points on payment of a fixed charge, or four on conviction by a court.
A lower threshold of penalty points leading to disqualification will apply to any driver who is granted their first learner permit on or after August 1st, 2014 while they drive under a learner permit, and subsequently during the first two years while they drive under their first full driving licence.

Also, a Fixed Charge Notice of €80 and two penalty points was introduced for driving with defective or worn tyres (not just for new drivers, but for everyone on the road). If you’re looking for some tips to ensure your tyres are safe, have a read of our top tips for tyre safety article.

Penalty Points

As a learner or novice driver, you can earn penalty points for the following offences:

Learner permit holder driving unaccompanied by qualified person (N-plate ty not count as a qualified driver).
Failure to display N-Plate or tabard.
Failure to display L-Plate or tabard.

For each of the above offences there is two penalty points on payment of a fixed charge, or four penalty points on conviction in court. A full list of penalty point offences can be obtained from the RSA’s website.

despite the above penalty points specific for learner and novice drivers, just remember that good drivers shouldn’t be faced with too many issues. And if you’re a novice driver who finds themselves picking up bad habits already (and believe us, it happens!), head over to our bad habits blog post to keep them in check.

Other useful links:

Finally, what about Car Insurance?

We offer custom-built cover, fast claims and exclusive online discounts when you quote and buy your car insurance online (acceptance criteria, terms & conditions apply). That's RedClick. Get a car insurance quote today.