Learner permit renewal under level 5

I'm in the same boat. My permit expired two days ago and I went on the site to see how to renew. They won't let me because I don't have a test booked. Can't book a test......

I sent them a message through their site yesterday because I couldn't get through on the phone. Pretty frustrating. I haven't been able to put in any practice because I can't meet up with my sponsor. I don't even know if I can book a test because I haven't finished my lessons...

I'll let you know if I hear back from them. Sigh.

I need to go in in person to renew my licence. Hopefully it will all go smoothly. Then I'll book a test (thanks codriscoll1). I had to call my insurers as not having a licence is a bit important to them. I called them in the hopes they'd extend my coverage but I need to call them back as soon as I get my licence sorted.

ams wrote: »

I tried to go down the PSC route recently - they advised they would only give me the appointment if I needed the car to drive to work! (Like there are other reasons you might need your car! I didn't mention that it was a Learner Permit to them!)

I have an appointment in the NDLS center on Saturday as was getting nowhere with the PSC people. I have an essential worker letter from work so just hoping that they allow me to renew it. I have applied for the test since Nov and have heard nothing (which is probably good news as cant get any lessons at the mo).

If you have an essential worker letter you should have no problems in the NDLS centre.

Also just to add, under Level 5 restrictions, essential workers with a confirmed test date can get lessons to prepare for the test (this is assuming you've already completed your 12 EDT lessons). So if you do get a test date, you can do lessons if needed.

Same boat myself. Learner permit expires in a week and never had need for a myGovID account. Set one up today but it says I need a PSC card to verify it and it would seem you can't get a PSC card at the moment according to the gov.ie site. Are we all just sh*t out of luck? I've fired an e-mail off to NDLS to see what they say in the mean time and might try book an appointment with the NDLS online to see if it goes through. Edit - appointment made for nearest centre and I ain't leaving till it gets done!

I was able to renew my permit (for 35e) by going through the RSA site (I couldn't find the direct link when I was failing to navigate the NDLS site, so I just googled "book driving test ireland" and the right RSA site came up). Luckily I already have a MyGov set up so I was able to get into it. Then you need to "set your goal" which is ridiculous. The hiccup that I couldn't seem to bypass was this idiotic first step towards my goal which required me to tick that I had access to a car or something (can't even find that site now so I can't remember...) So then I was able to book a test, or get on the waiting list, it was unclear. The website didn't really say that I was on the waiting list but gave me the option to pay for it now but then that link didn't work. The it was pretty much plain sailing. I renewed the permit online and cancelled my physical appointment.

But, long story short, the whole system, from an IT perspective is ridiculously confusing. But also, the fact that I even had to PAY to renew my permit is incredibly lame. I haven't been able to practice let alone do my lessons because of lockdown. I don't understand why permits are not being automatically extended. Bananas.

ams wrote: »

Cancelled my appointment last Friday after reading about the extension - guess I'll have to make another one

I had the same issue doing my truck test... You set up my road safety and as you said complete goals.. ie pass theory test and so on.
I got some lessons done booked test and waited since last November and did test 18th of February and passed... If anyone wants to know how i managed to get test date pm happy to share.

Minimum 3 week processing time they told me when I renewed.

ams wrote: »

Yeah was told 3 - 4 weeks

I sent mine off on 19th of February... Said up to 3 weeks... Hopefully have it soon will keep ye posted.

shivermetimber wrote: »

I renewed mine on 2nd in a centre and got dispatch text on 5th.

I also called into centre as i said on 19th feb.. Got text messages on march 1st say being sorted will take up to 3 week... Jesus your lucky it that fast... I am waiting to start artic truck lessons but without learners licence f**ked.

shivermetimber wrote: »

Big of a difference alright! Maybe the truck takes longer to process?

True maybe its a larger license.. Most get a bigger wallet for it.

Car battery has died in meantime due to lack of use - learning to drive has been a nightmare with Covid!

LazyClouds wrote: »

My brakes seized because I hadn't used the car all lockdown. It was scary watching the AA guy fix it.... "If nothing else works hit it with a sledge hammer"

Leave handbrake off and in 1st gear.. That will stop them locking up.

LazyClouds wrote: »

Lol my car is parked on a bit of a hill so I wouldn't want it to run off on me 🀣

Facing up hill 1st gear... Down hill put in reverse.

MascotDec85 wrote: »

You have my sympathy, being an instructor hasn’t been much fun either and I’m really dreading the restart tbh

Hi you don't have to answer this but as an instructor would you be surprised if anyone has got worse or simply forgotten loads since lockdown? I haven't been able to practice since the end of november and I'm incredibly anxious about having to explain this to my instructor whenever I see him next...