Learner's permit

Minnie Cooper

Hi, I'm very much a newbie so I can only hope that I'm posting my question in the right forum.

I would really appreciate some advice regarding my learner's permit. My last licence was my 2nd or 3rd provisional, can't remember which to be honest, and it expired in 2003. I haven't been driving at all as I live pretty much central to everything I need, but lately I've felt that I'm missing out. I've just sat a driver theory test and was fortunate to pass so I guess my dilemma is this; because my provisional licence expired 9 years ago, am I now considered a first time applicant? Will I be able to present my theory cert and other bits and pieces to my local tax office and receive a learner's permit? I did sit an actual driving test years ago but failed and I no longer have the piece of paper to prove that! I can't apply for another test as I have no licence so am I stuck in one of those catch 22 situations?

I apologise if I'm not being very clear, I would just really appreicate if anyone here could enlighten me before I charge into the motor tax office expecting a permit only to be laughed away from the counter.

Cheers.

Alanstrainor

Hey there, you're in the right forum alright! I moved your post to a new thread.:)


Since your previous provisional license had been expired for more than 5 years, your new Learner Permit is considered to be your first again. This means that you have to wait 6 months before you can sit your test, and also you will need to sit 12 EDT lessons with an approved driving instructor. I hope that helps.

Minnie Cooper

Hey there,

Wow! That was fast. Thanks a million for getting back to me so promptly, I'm truly grateful. I don't mind the six month wait to sit a test and I certainly don't mind the idea of all those driving lessons. After all my time walking everywhere, I'm well aware that I might not be the safest person with some wheels beneath me! So I can go ahead and apply for a learner's permit as is then? I was planning to do that first thing in the morning, get the ball rolling.

Alanstrainor

You'll need an eyesight report too when applying, other than that you should be set. Obviously the fee and photos are required too!

Minnie Cooper

Have the eyesight report sitting on the desk next to me, the money is in the bank, (hopefully, it was a busy weekend) and I've ticked all the boxes on the check list. Looks like I'm getting a permit!

**Timbuk2**

Good luck! Sounds like you're set to get a learner permit now, remember you'll also need two passport photos (which have to be signed at the back)!

Minnie Cooper

Yep, have those photos autographed and just leaving now to hop on a bus to the big city. The plan is to book my 12 lessons asap and go from there. I'm sure the six month wait to apply for my driving test will benefit me so hopefully I'll be able to make use of the car my sister gave me before she left the country.

I'm seriously impressed with the instant response I received here, it's fantastic to get no nonsense advice with just the tap of a few keys.

Thanks again.

Alanstrainor

Minnie Cooper wrote: »

Yep, have those photos autographed and just leaving now to hop on a bus to the big city. The plan is to book my 12 lessons asap and go from there. I'm sure the six month wait to apply for my driving test will benefit me so hopefully I'll be able to make use of the car my sister gave me before she left the country.

I'm seriously impressed with the instant response I received here, it's fantastic to get no nonsense advice with just the tap of a few keys.

Thanks again.

Glad to help

Just to clarify though, you need to wait 6 months until you can sit the test. You can apply for your test before the 6 months is up. Therefore you could technically sit your test the day you've had your Learner Permit for 6 months.

Minnie Cooper

Hey Alanstrainor & Timbuk2,

Just wanted to let you know that the deed has been done and I'm now the proud holder of a shiny new learner's permit. Thanks for the sound advice. Have booked lessons, I have my first next week so I'm finally on my way.

Cheers.