LATEST: Nearly 100 learner drivers in Kildare banned from driving in past 14 months
New figures released by the Department of Transport
New figures released by the Department of Transport reveal a worrying increase in driving disqualifications among learner permit holders in County Kildare.
Under the current rules, if a learner driver accumulates seven points, it will lead to a six-month driving disqualification.
In 2024, a total of 74 learner drivers in Kildare were disqualified by the courts, with only three surrendering their permits to the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The Department said: "It is important to note that, while the non-surrender of licences is of concern, the more important issue from a road safety perspective is that the disqualification from driving is observed. The individuals in question are fully aware that the disqualification from driving is in effect regardless of whether their licence is surrendered.
An Garda Síochána have access to data on the National Vehicle Driver File (NVDF) as part of their Mobility Strategy and therefore can detect and prosecute a driver who continues to drive while disqualified. This is the case whether or not a licence has been surrendered."
In the first two months of 2025, a further 14 learner permit holders were disqualified.
Additional data on drink driving fixed charge disqualifications show five learner drivers were disqualified in 2024 in Kildare, with two permits surrendered. No such disqualifications have been recorded in the first two months of 2025.
Penalty point disqualifications are also on the rise as 61 learner permit holders were disqualified for penalty point accumulation in 2024, with 24 surrendering their permits.
In 2025 to date, five disqualifications have been reported, but none have resulted in surrendered permits so far.
The figures were released in response to a parliamentary question from Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly.
In the reply, the Department emphasized that while non-surrender of licences is concerning, the priority remains ensuring disqualified individuals are not driving.
A spokesperson said: “It is important to note that the disqualification from driving is in effect regardless of whether their licence is surrendered.
“An Garda Síochána have access to this information and can detect and prosecute disqualified drivers as part of their Mobility Strategy.”
In total, 344 drivers in Kildare were disqualified in 2024 across all licence types, including learner and full licence holders, with 31 voluntarily surrendering their licences. The trend has continued into 2025, with 86 disqualifications reported up to February 28 and only four licences surrendered.
As driving disqualification numbers grow, calls for stricter enforcement and increased awareness around the legal requirement to surrender disqualified licences are mounting in Kildare and beyond.