A 22.7% increase in the number of unaccompanied learner drivers caught by Gardaí in the Clare/Tipperary Garda division between 2024 and 2025 is cause for concern according to Ireland South MEP
Ireland South MEP and road safety advocate, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, has said she is disappointed with a 22.7% increase in the number of unaccompanied learner drivers issued fixed charge notices by Gardaí in the Clare/Tipperary Garda division between 2024 and 2025.
322 learner drivers were issued fixed charge notices by Gardaí in Clare/Tipperary for driving unaccompanied in 2024. This rose to 395 people in 2025, an increase of 22.7%. In contrast, Garda figures show reductions in the number of learner drivers caught driving unaccompanied in nearby Kerry and Limerick.
Ní Mhurchú said the figures in Clare and Tipp are disappointing because they show that learner drivers are just not getting the message,
“Learner drivers lack the experience and judgment required to handle complex driving situations. That can mean more accidents on our roads. When an inexperienced driver gets behind the wheel of a car without any supervision, they are endangering themselves, other drivers and other road users”
Other Garda Divisions?
Cork Garda Divisions
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, has welcomed a 19.1% fall in the number of unaccompanied learner drivers issued fixed charge notices by Gardaí in the Cork City Garda divisions between 2024 and 2025. She questioned why, in the same period, the number of learner drivers caught driving unaccompanied in the Cork County garda divisions showed a 22.1% year on year increase. 521 learner drivers were issued fixed charge notices by Gardaí in Cork County for driving unaccompanied in 2024. This rose to 636 people in 2025, an increase of 22.1%. In contrast, in the Cork City Garda divisions, 565 people were issued fixed charge notices by Gardaí for driving unaccompanied in 2024 – this fell to 457 in 2025, a 19.1% decrease.
Kerry Garda Division
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, has welcomed an 11.7% fall in the number of unaccompanied learner drivers issued fixed charge notices by Gardaí in the Kerry Garda division between 2024 and 2025. 283 people were issued fixed charge notices by Gardaí in Kerry for driving unaccompanied in 2024. This fell to 250 in 2025, a decrease of 11.7%.
Wexford/Wicklow Garda Division
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, has said she is disappointed with a 7.6% increase in the number of unaccompanied learner drivers issued fixed charge notices by Gardaí in the Wexford/Wicklow Garda division between 2024 and 2025. 580 learner drivers were issued fixed charge notices by Gardaí in Wexford/Wicklow for driving unaccompanied in 2024. This rose to 624 people in 2025, an increase of 7.6%.
Limerick Garda Division
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, has welcomed a 13.3% fall in the number of unaccompanied learner drivers issued fixed charge notices by Gardaí in the Limerick Garda division between 2024 and 2025. 354 people were issued fixed charge notices by Gardaí in Limerick for driving unaccompanied in 2024. This fell to 307 in 2025, a decrease of 13.3%.
Penalties for driving unaccompanied
Ní Mhurchú said it is important to remind parents that learner drivers must be accompanied at all times by someone who has held a full, valid driving licence in the same category for a minimum of two years. Those who are convicted of driving unaccompanied or those who allow their vehicle to be driven by an unaccompanied learner driver, can have their vehicle impounded.
Ní Mhurchú highlighted that many parents do not know that their car is at risk of being impounded if their son or daughter drives it unaccompanied.
Driving unaccompanied can lead to fines of up to €1,000 and 4 penalty points.
The Transport MEP said she also wants to see continued improvements in driving test wait times.
