Uninsured, Disqualified, and Learner Drivers in Ireland: A Call for Stricter EnforcementUninsured, Disqualified, and Learner Drivers in Ireland: A Call for Stricter Enforcement Recent statistics reveal a concerning trend in Ireland regarding uninsured, disqualified, and learner drivers. According to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), there were an alarming 188,000 uninsured drivers on the road in 2022. Furthermore, the number of accidents involving uninsured drivers rose by 11 percent that same year. Equally disturbing is the extent of disqualified driving. Between 2021 and 2023, over 32,000 drivers were disqualified, yet a staggering 76 percent ignored the disqualification and continued to drive. The situation with learner drivers is also troubling. As of July 2023, over 300,000 people held learner’s permits, with 34,000 driving on their fifth permit and thousands more holding permits for decades. In the Dublin region alone, over 100,000 people have learner permits. Despite the large number of drivers in Ireland, over 7,000 vehicles have been seized by the Gardaí, and 15,000 scanners have been issued to assist with enforcement. However, these efforts have not been sufficient to deter the high levels of non-compliance. Christy Galligan, a retired Garda Sergeant, highlights the need for stiffer sanctions for those who ignore disqualifications and calls for a review of the “forever” learner driving license policy. He argues that those who pose a risk to others should not be allowed to drive on Irish roads.
Sir, – When I looked up the various statistics and reports on uninsured drivers and drivers with a learner’s permit, I was astonished and amazed at the extent of the non-compliance with the rules regarding uninsured and disqualified drivers and the complete failure of drivers with a learner’s permit to obtain a full driving licence.
According to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) (News, April 29), there were 188,000 uninsured drivers on the road in 2022.
In 2024, MIBI published data showing that the number of accidents involving uninsured drivers had increased by 11 percent.
Between 2021 and 2023, 32,700 drivers were disqualified from driving, but a staggering 76 percent ignored the disqualification by failing to submit their driving licence for approval.
In July 2023, 301,000 people were driving with a learner’s permit, and 34,000 of them were driving with a learner’s permit for the fifth time, while 11,700 people had been driving with a learner’s permit for 20 years and another 1,701 people had been driving with a learner’s permit for 30 years.
The latest figures show that 289,000 people had a learner’s permit, of which 27,000 still had a permit aged between 11 and 20.
In February 2024, the CSO published figures showing that in the Dublin region alone, more than 100,000 people held learner permits.
Although there are over three million drivers in this state, excluding those who have travelled from outside the EU, the Gardaí have seized over 7,000 vehicles. Although 15,000 scanners have been issued to the Gardaí on a trial basis to help with uninsured drivers etc, along with automatic number plate recognition cameras, the fact is that those who are disqualified and ignore their disqualification should face stiffer sanctions if caught, rather than a fine or a rap on the knuckles, and those with extended “forever” licences should not be driving on our roads. – Yours, etc,
Christy Galligan,
(Retired Garda Sergeant),
Letterkenny,
county Donegal.
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