The Department of Transport says that while low surrender rates are a concern, the more important factor is that court disqualifications are enforced.
New figures reveal that learner drivers in Kildare who were disqualified in court are among the least likely in the country to hand in their permits.
According to Department of Transport data, 93 learner drivers in Kildare were disqualified in 2023, with just five surrendering their permits - a rate of 5.38%.
In 2024, the figure dropped to 75 disqualifications, with three permits surrendered.
So far in 2025, up to the end of August, there have been 64 disqualifications, with just four drivers handing in their permits, a surrender rate of 6.25%.
The Department of Transport says that while low surrender rates are a concern, the more important factor is that court disqualifications are enforced.
Drivers are legally barred from driving regardless of whether they hand in their permits.
An Garda Síochána can identify disqualified drivers through the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF), with the power to detect and prosecute those caught driving while banned.
The Department also shares information on non-surrendered licences with Gardaí, though it does not track follow-up penalties - a responsibility that falls under the Department of Justice.
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