Learner Permit

It is a statutory requirement that you must hold at least a learner permit (previously known as a provisional licence) for the appropriate category of vehicle if you want to drive in a public place in Ireland. You are required to carry your learner permit with you at all times when driving.

Notes:

This Applications Form is not available on-line as it contains adhesive elements which are needed to process the application. It is available in hard copy from County Council Offices, Garda Stations and Libraries, or you may request a licence application form to be sent to you by post.

Applications are processed in the date order they are received. Your application may take a number of weeks to process depending on the number of applications on hand at any given time - you should note the date you submit your application, and can check its status at any time by telephoning 091 509305 or e-mailing motortax@galwaycoco.ie

While a renewal notice issues from the Department of Transport a number of weeks before your Licence expires, please note that you can submit your application for renewal up to 3 months prior to the expiry date of your licence.

To apply for a 1^st Learner Permit, you will need:

Completed Application Form D201 (click here to request a form)
2 recent identical passport type photographs (signed on back)
Evidence of having passed the Theory Test
A Birth Certificate or passport (original only)
State Marriage Certificate, if appropriate (original only)
You may need to submit a medical report (see below)
An eyesight report (see below)
Fee of € 15

To apply for a 2^nd Learner Permit, you will need:

Completed Application Form D201 (click here to request a form)
2 recent identical passport type photographs (signed on back)
Last Licence
Fee of € 15
Photo ID may be required

To apply for a 3^rd Learner Permit, you will need:

Completed Application Form D201 (click here to request a form)
2 recent identical passport type photographs (signed on back)
Failure Cert (valid for 2 years only) or if you have not sat a test in the last 2 years please submit an Acknowledgement Letter from the Road Safety Authority as evidence of having recently applied for a driving test
Last Licence
Fee of €15
Photo ID may be required

You can submit your completed application:

by post to Driving Licences Section, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway, OR
in person at our public counter (check our opening hours) where you will receive proof of receipt

You can pay your application fee:

postal applications - bank draft, cheque or Postal Order (made payable to Galway County Council)
counter applications by any of the above or in cash if calling to our offices

A Medical Report Form D501 is required when applying for a provisional or full licence in the following cases and is valid for 1 month from date of issue:

For the higher categories C, C1, D, D1, EC, EC1, ED and ED1
Where the applicant is 70 years of age or more.
Where the applicant suffers from any of the disabilities or diseases listed on the licence application form
Where the applicant has ever suffered from alcoholism or epilepsy
Where the applicant is taking, on a regular basis, drugs or medicaments that would be likely to cause the driving of a vehicle by that person to be a source of danger.

An Eyesight Report Form D502 is required when applying for your first Learner Permit for categories A, A1, B, EB and W and is valid for one month from date of issue.

Applicants are not required to submit further Eyesight Report Forms with each subsequent learner permit or full driving licence application, unless they want to change the details on their licence regarding the need to wear corrective lenses for driving purposes, e.g. if they recently had laser or corrective surgery, they need to submit a new Eyesight Report Form stating they no longer need to wear corrective lenses for driving purposes.