Freedom of information figures
4,685 people are still driving with learner permits - over 26 years after first receiving one.
According to freedom of information figures, these individuals still have not passed a driving test.
In Ireland, more than 277,000 people have learner permits.
They include 14,000 people in Co. Kildare, 89,000 in Dublin, & nearly 30,000 in Cork.
Many counties have high numbers - 167 in Galway, 159 in Kilkenny and 172 in Limerick.
An individual is not allowed to apply for a third or subsequent learner permit unless one has recently failed to pass a a driving test, or have a test booked.
218,000 people in the Republic of Ireland have held a learner permit for less than five years.

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