After you pass: N plates and novice rules

By the end of this topic you can

• You can apply for your first full driving licence in time
• You can explain what you must and must not do as a novice driver
• You can display N plates correctly for the full novice period
• You can plan how to keep building your skills after the test

What you need to know and understand

• Your certificate of competency is valid for two years; apply for your licence within that time or you will have to sit the test again.
• You can apply online through the NDLS with a Public Services Card and verified MyGovID, or in person at an NDLS centre. The first licence fee is 65 euro.
• Until your full licence is issued, you must still be accompanied and follow learner permit rules.
• For two years after your first full licence you must display N plates on any vehicle you drive.
• As a novice you cannot act as an accompanying driver or sponsor for a learner.
• A lower alcohol limit of 20 mg per 100 ml of blood applies to novice drivers.
• If your first learner permit was issued on or after 1 August 2014, you are disqualified at 7 penalty points while a learner and during your first two years as a full licence holder, instead of 12.
• If you passed in an automatic car, your licence only covers automatic cars.

From certificate to licence

1. Keep your certificate of competency safe; it is valid for two years.
2. Apply for your first driving licence online or at an NDLS centre within two years of passing.
3. Keep driving accompanied, with L plates, until the licence arrives.
4. Once you have the licence, swap your L plates for N plates and display them for two years.

Novice rules at a glance

The novice period applies only once. If you add another vehicle category after your first two years, you are not a novice again for that category.

• Display N plates for two years on any vehicle you drive
• You cannot accompany a learner driver
• Lower drink-drive limit applies, so the only safe choice is not to drink at all before driving
• Disqualification at 7 penalty points usually applies (first permit from 1 August 2014)
• Not displaying N plates is an offence: 2 penalty points with a fixed charge, or 4 on conviction

Keep learning

Passing the test is the start, not the end. New drivers are at higher risk because they lack experience. Build up gradually: different roads, night driving, bad weather and, now that you are allowed, motorways. Many new drivers take a lesson with an ADI before their first motorway drive.

Keep passengers to a sensible number, put your phone away and plan longer journeys with breaks.

Common mistakes

• Driving alone on the way home from the test. You are not licensed until your full licence is issued.
• Forgetting to apply for the licence and letting the two-year certificate lapse.
• Removing N plates early or using faded ones. They must be shown for the full two years.
• Offering to accompany a friend who is learning. Novices are not allowed to do this.

Test yourself: After you pass: N plates and novice rules

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• After You Pass in Ireland
• N Plates in Ireland