Links

Learning to drive or ride a motorcycle involves some interaction with various government departments, organisations and companies. Before you even sit behind the wheel for your first lesson, there are several “hurdles” to jump! This can be quite daunting and seem like a nuisance but are necessary to verify identity and reduce fraud.
Here is a list of useful links:

Welfare Public Services Card

The Public Services Card is replacing the Social Services Card and the Free Travel pass of this Department. It will also make it easy for providers of public services to verify the identity of customers.

Driver Theory Test

When you have your Public Services Card, you may then apply for your Driver Theory Test in the appropriate category – either online or by post. The test costs €45, and is conducted on computer in a Driver Theory Test Centre – located on Paul Quay in Wexford town.
Study materials are essential – make sure you get the latest 8th edition book, CD rom  – available in local bookshops or from DTT.ie. A mobile App subscription is also available. There are over 1000 possible multiple choice questions, you are asked 40 and 35 is the pass mark. If successful, the Pass certificate is valid for 2 years. During this period, you should apply for your Learner Permit.

National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) office

To apply for your Learner Permit, you must attend, in person, a National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) office. The Wexford town office is on Redmond Rd, opposite Dunnes Stores.​You can make an appointment via their website or walk in if you have time to wait. Make sure you bring the necessary documentation with you by checking the NDLS website – these may include eyesight test, DTT certificate, proof of address, proof of PPS number, birth certificate etc. The fee is €35 and the Learner Permit is posted out to you within about 8 – 10 working days. When you receive it, you are finally ready to start your driving lessons /EDT or motorcycle lessons / IBT with GDL Drivers Driving School!

Motor Tax & Insurance

If you plan to use your own vehicle for either lessons or practice, it must be taxed, insured for you to drive, and roadworthy – for a car, this also means a valid NCT certificate.
The Motor Tax disc must be displayed on the windscreen or in a visible area on a motorcycle. The fee varies according to either CO2 emissions or cc and can be paid online or in local Motor Tax office – based in Carricklawn, near Wexford General Hospital.

NCT

All cars or light vans more than 3 years old, must have a National Car Test (NCT) disc displayed. The test costs €55 and is conducted every 2 years up to the vehicle’s 10th birthday. After that, the test is yearly. Components checked include: lights, brakes, suspension, bodywork, emissions. Co Wexford NCT centre is located on the Old Dublin Rd, Enniscorthy. Appointments can be made online or by telephone.

Insurance

Insurance can often be expensive for Learner Drivers and Motorcyclists. The best way to reduce premiums is to pass the driving test as soon as possible. Being a named driver on a parent’s policy is an option for occasional use. Having a car and policy in a Learner’s own name allows them to start earning their No Claims Bonus as soon as possible – however, they must still be accompanied by a person holding a Full License for more than 2 years.