Irish Driving Licence : 4‑D or 5 ? – Which One Do You Need?
If you’ve just moved to Ireland, are about to start a driving course, or are simply curious about the different licence categories, you’ve probably heard the terms “4‑D” and “5” tossed around. They sound cryptic, but the distinction is actually quite straightforward once you understand what each one covers, who it’s intended for, and how you obtain it.
In this post you’ll get a step‑by‑step guide, a quick‑look comparison table, a FAQ section, and plenty of handy check‑lists so that you can decide which licence type fits your needs and how to secure it without any nasty surprises.
1. Why the Numbers Matter
Ireland’s driver‑licence system mirrors the European Union’s Category system (A, B, C, D, etc.). The numbers you see on the licence – 4‑D and 5 – are reference codes that appear on the front of the physical card.
| Code | What you’ll see on the licence | Typical holder |
|---|---|---|
| 4‑D | “4‑D” appears as a suffix on the licence number (e.g., 12345678‑4‑D) | Learners who have passed the Driver Theory Test but have not yet taken the practical test. |
| 5 | “5” is shown as a suffix (e.g., 12345678‑5) | Drivers who have passed both the theory and the practical test and are now fully licensed. |
In practice, the difference is not about the type of vehicle you can drive – that is determined by the category letters (B for cars, A for motorcycles, etc.). Instead, the numeric code tells the Roads Service (RMI) and the Gardaí whether you are still a learner (4‑D) or a fully qualified driver (5).
2. Who Needs a 4‑D Licence?
A 4‑D licence is essentially a learner‑permit. You will need it if:
- You have just passed the Driver Theory Test (the multiple‑choice questionnaire that covers road signs, rules of the road, and basic safety).
- You have not yet taken (or passed) your driving practical test.
- You are under 18 (the minimum age for a full licence in most categories is 17, but you can obtain a learner‑permit at 16½ for a moped).
- You are a non‑resident who wishes to drive a private vehicle while your visa or residence permit is still being processed – a 4‑D licence is recognised for a short‑term stay.
What a 4‑D licence allows you to do
| Permission | Restriction |
|---|---|
| Drive a vehicle under supervision (a fully licensed driver must sit in the front passenger seat). | Must display ‘L’ plates on the front and rear of the vehicle at all times. |
| Use a car, motorcycle, or moped that belongs to the licence category you have applied for (e.g., Category B for cars). | Cannot carry more than one passenger (for motorcycles) or any passengers for cars unless the supervising driver is present. |
| Take additional driving lessons with a certified instructor. | Must not exceed the speed limits applicable to learner drivers (e.g., 50 km/h on motorways when accompanied). |
| Practice on public roads and motorways under supervision. | Must obey L‑plate rules – e.g., no overtaking on a motorway unless the supervising driver overtakes first. |
3. When Do You “Upgrade” to a 5 Licence?
You become eligible for a 5 licence (full licence) once you pass the practical driving test. The process looks like this:
- Book the test – you’ll need a NCT (National Car Test) certificate for the vehicle you intend to use, a valid learner‑permit, and a registered address.
- Pass the test – the examiner will assess your control of the vehicle, adherence to traffic rules, and overall competence.
- Apply for the new licence – you can either get the updated card at the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre or have it mailed to you (if you opted for the online service).
Benefits of a 5 licence
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No ‘L’ plates required – you can now drive unsupervised. | |
| Full insurance eligibility – many insurers offer lower premiums to fully licensed drivers. | |
| Ability to carry passengers – you can now take friends, family, or passengers on public transport services, ride‑sharing, etc. | |
| Access to higher categories – after a certain period (usually 2 years), you can apply for a Category A (motorcycle) or C (commercial vehicle) licence without additional theory exams. | |
| Legal rights – you may now be called as a witness in traffic incidents, and you are fully responsible for any offences (e.g., speeding). |
4. Step‑by‑Step Checklist – From 4‑D to 5
Below is a practical checklist that you can print and tick off as you progress.
4‑D Learner Permit Checklist
- Obtain a provisional Learner Permit (apply at any NDLS office or online).
- Pass the Driver Theory Test (book through the Road Safety Authority – RSA).
- Receive your 4‑D licence (normally issued on the spot or mailed within 5 working days).
- Display ‘L’ plates on the vehicle.
- Book a driving instructor (optional but highly recommended).
- Complete a minimum of 12 hours of supervised driving (recommended for confidence, not a legal requirement).
Full Licence (5) Checklist
| ✅ | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Schedule the practical test – you’ll need a valid NCT certificate for the test vehicle. |
| 2 | Gather required documents – current 4‑D licence, photographic ID, proof of address, and a Medical Report if you have a health condition. |
| 3 | Take the test – arrive 15 minutes early, bring your own test vehicle if you’ve booked a private test. |
| 4 | Pass the test – the examiner will give you a pass certificate. |
| 5 | Apply for the 5 licence – either at the NDLS centre (in‑person) or via the e‑Licensing portal. |
| 6 | Collect or receive your new licence – check that the suffix now reads “5”. |
| 7 | Remove ‘L’ plates and update your insurance policy. |
5. Costs at a Glance
| Item | Approx. Cost (EUR) | Who pays? |
|---|---|---|
| Learner Permit (4‑D) | €45 (application) | Applicant |
| Driver Theory Test | €35 | Applicant |
| Practical Test (incl. NCT) | €55‑€70 (test) + €55 (NCT) | Applicant |
| Full Licence (5) – NDLS fee | €55 (standard) | Applicant |
| Optional Insurance for Learner | €300‑€600 (annual) | Learner (often higher until full licence) |
| Additional Driving Lessons (per hour) | €35‑€45 | Learner |
Note: Prices are subject to change; always verify on the Road Safety Authority (RSA) website.
6. Common Pitfalls – How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Why it Happens | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Driving without L‑plates | Forgetting to attach them after a quick lesson. | Keep a dedicated L‑plate holder in your car and check before every drive. |
| Using a 4‑D licence after passing the practical test | Not updating the licence promptly. | Book your 5 licence as soon as you receive the pass certificate – you have 30 days to update. |
| Invalid NCT certificate | Using a vehicle whose NCT expired. | Verify the NCT expiry date before the test; renew if needed. |
| Driving with an unqualified supervisor | Assuming any adult driver can supervise. | The supervisor must hold a full licence for the same category and have at least 2 years of driving experience. |
| Exceeding speed limits for learners | Confusing the general speed limit with learner‑specific limits on motorways. | Remember: Learners cannot exceed 50 km/h on motorways unless the supervising driver overtakes first. |
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I drive a car with a 4‑D licence if I’m 20 years old?
A: Yes. Age does not affect the validity of a learner‑permit. As long as you have passed the theory test and hold a 4‑D licence, you may drive a car under supervision, regardless of age.
Q2: Do I need a separate 4‑D licence for each vehicle category (e.g., B for cars, A for motorcycles)?
A: No. The numeric suffix (4‑D or 5) is the same across categories. What matters are the letter categories printed on the licence (B, A, etc.). If you apply for multiple categories, the suffix remains the same, but you’ll have multiple lines indicating each category you’re entitled to drive.
Q3: How long is a 4‑D licence valid?
A: A learner‑permit is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. If you haven’t passed the practical test within that period, you’ll need to renew the permit and may have to retake the theory test.
Q4: Can a non‑resident hold a 4‑D licence?
A: Yes. Non‑EU residents can obtain a learner‑permit if they provide a **valid passport, proof of address (e.g., utility bill), and a Medical Report confirming fitness to drive.
Q5: Is there any advantage to applying for a 5 licence before I’m actually ready to drive?
A: No. The 5 licence is only issued after you have passed the practical test. Applying prematurely will result in a denial, and you’ll still be required to hold the 4‑D until you succeed.
Q6: What happens if I lose my 4‑D licence?
A: Report the loss to the Gardaí and apply for a replacement at an NDLS centre. You’ll need to pay a small fee (≈ €20) and present ID.
Q7: Can I upgrade from a 4‑D licence for cars (Category B) to a 5 licence for motorcycles (Category A) without retaking the theory test?
A: The theory test covers all categories, so you do not need to retake it. However, you must pass a practical motorcycle test and pay the relevant fees.
8. Quick Reference – At a Glance
Below is a compact table you can bookmark or print.
| Aspect | 4‑D (Learner) | 5 (Full) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Learner, supervised only | Fully licensed, unsupervised |
| Suffix on licence | “4‑D” | “5” |
| L‑plates required? | Yes | No |
| Passenger restrictions | No passengers (cars) or only one (motorcycle) unless supervisor present | No restrictions |
| Medical fitness | Standard medical declaration | Same, but may require additional checks for higher categories |
| Validity | 2 years (renewable) | Indefinite (subject to renewal of the physical card every 10 years) |
| Insurance cost | Higher (learner rates) | Lower (full driver rates) |
| Typical time to obtain | 1–2 weeks after theory test | 2–4 weeks after passing practical test |
9. Final Thoughts – Which Do You Need?
If you’re just starting out, your journey will always begin with a 4‑D licence. It’s the gateway that proves you understand the rules of the road and are ready to practice under supervision.
Once you feel confident, schedule your practical test, and upgrade to a 5. The full licence opens up freedom, lower insurance premiums, and the ability to drive without a supervising adult.
Remember, the numbers on the licence are not a reflection of your skill level, but a status marker used by authorities. Keeping your licence up‑to‑date, driving responsibly, and complying with L‑plate rules while you’re a learner will make the transition to a full licence smooth and stress‑free.
Take Action Today
- If you haven’t passed the theory test – book it now via the RSA website.
- Already have a 4‑D? – Start logging supervised hours and consider a certified instructor.
- Ready for the practical test? – Check your vehicle’s NCT status, gather the paperwork, and schedule a date.
Feel free to drop a comment below with any specific questions, or share your own experiences transitioning from a 4‑D to a 5 licence – it could help other drivers on the same road!
Safe driving, and enjoy the freedom that a full Irish driving licence brings. 🚗💨