New Fee Structure:

• Driving Licence: The cost will rise from €55 to €65.
• Learner Permit: The fee will increase from €35 to €45.
• Full NCT Test: The price will go up from €55 to €60.
• NCT Retest: The cost will increase from €28 to €40.
• Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT): There will be a 15% increase in the pre-VAT cost. For example, the cost for vehicles under 3,500kg will rise from €92.91 to €106.85 before VAT. Vehicles with more than eight seats but less than 14 will see the cost increase from €193.82 to €222.89 before VAT.

The RSA stated that these fee adjustments are necessary to support planned expenditures of €18 million on public interest activities and government priorities. The changes are part of the RSA’s business planning for 2025.

In November, it was announced that the RSA would be disbanded and split into two independent agencies following a government-approved plan. An independent external review recommended this restructuring and suggested that fees for RSA customer services be reviewed due to the current unsustainable funding model. The review indicated that fee increases would likely be needed in 2025, with modest increases in subsequent years, conditional on meeting service level targets.

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has criticised the fee hikes, calling them unjustifiable given the government’s plans to abolish the RSA. IRHA President Ger Hyland described the increases as a “shock” and a “Christmas present” for RSA customers, arguing that it sends the wrong message about an authority that has failed to fulfil its mandate effectively.

The RSA has defended the fee increases, stating that they are essential to maintain and improve the quality of services provided. The authority highlighted that the fees have remained unchanged for over a decade, despite rising operational costs and the need for investment in new technologies and infrastructure.

The fee increase for the NCT and driving licences is expected to impact a significant number of drivers across Ireland. The NCT is a mandatory test for all vehicles over four years old, aimed at ensuring that vehicles on Irish roads are safe and roadworthy. The driving licence fee increase will affect both new drivers applying for their first licence and existing drivers renewing their licences.

The RSA has also announced plans to introduce new measures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its services. These include the implementation of an online booking system for NCT appointments, the introduction of digital driving licences, and the expansion of the RSA’s customer service team to handle increased demand.

Despite the backlash from the IRHA and other stakeholders, the RSA remains committed to its mission of promoting road safety and reducing the number of road accidents and fatalities in Ireland. The authority has urged drivers to view the fee increases as an investment in their safety and the overall safety of Irish roads.

As the new fees come into effect, the RSA has promised to monitor the impact of the changes and make adjustments if necessary. The authority has also pledged to continue working closely with stakeholders to address any concerns and ensure that the transition to the new fee structure is as smooth as possible.

The new laws will significantly enhance the capabilities of An Garda Síochána (the Irish police force) in monitoring drivers on the road. One of the key changes is the requirement for motorists to provide their driver’s licence number when seeking motor insurance policies. This applies not only to the primary driver but also to any additional named drivers on the policy.

This measure aims to crack down on uninsured driving, a persistent issue on Irish roads. By having access to the Irish Motor Insurance Database via their Garda Mobility Devices, officers will be better equipped to detect and penalise those driving without insurance.

Drivers who fail to comply with these new regulations risk having their licences taken away. This is part of a broader effort to ensure that all drivers on the road are properly insured and adhering to the law. The inclusion of driver numbers in the insurance process is seen as a critical step in this direction.

Transport Minister Jack Chambers has confirmed that the government is committed to stopping the practice of drivers continuously renewing their learner licences without passing the driving test. This new road safety initiative aims to ensure that only qualified drivers are on the road, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall road safety.

The new laws will also affect learner and novice drivers, who will face stricter penalties if they accumulate seven or more penalty points on their licence. This threshold is lower than the 12 points required for fully licensed drivers, reflecting the government’s focus on ensuring that new drivers develop safe driving habits from the outset.

Learner drivers who repeatedly fail their driving tests will be banned from the roads, preventing them from continuously renewing their learner permits without demonstrating the necessary driving competence.

Another significant change is the introduction of roadside licence checks by Gardaí. Under the new laws, officers will be able to check a driver’s licence number at the roadside, ensuring that all drivers are properly licensed and insured. This measure is expected to improve compliance and reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road.

The new laws are part of a broader effort to enhance road safety in Ireland. By ensuring that all drivers are properly licensed and insured, the government hopes to reduce the number of accidents and improve overall road safety. These changes are expected to come into effect within the next three years, giving drivers time to adjust to the new requirements.