The Road Safety Authority (RSA) in Ireland has announced new fee changes starting from January 1, 2025. These updates affect services like driving licences, learner permits, National Car Tests (NCT), and driving tests. For example, the cost of a full driving licence is now €65, up from €55. The learner permit now costs €45, and the NCT test fee has increased to €60. These updates aim to support essential road safety services after the RSA reported a revenue shortfall in 2024.
RSA Fee Increasing in Ireland from 1 January, 2025. These changes are in various sectors. RSA known as Road Safety Authority is a Government Organization of Ireland which is responsible for road safety and reducing accidents on Irish Roads.
There job is to create safety rules for drivers, take driving test and educate people about the roads and driving.
The changes in Fee are:
| Service | New Fee |
|---|---|
| Driving Licence | €55 → €65 |
| Learner Permit | €35 → €45 |
| Foreign Licence Exchange | €55 → €65 |
| NCT Full Test | €55 → €60 |
| NCT Retest | €28 → €40 |
| CVRT | 15% increase (pre-VAT) |
What is a RSA fee?
Rising Fees for Driving licence and NCT Tests are not just common, they want to give more opportunities to Irish people and provide more security campaigns to people.
This is a amount which every business and citizens of Ireland must need to pay when they are using any RSA services. The services includes:
Driver Licensing Services:
- Issue and renew driving licences.
- Provide learner permits to new drivers.
- Exchange of Foreign Driving Licences (for eligible countries)
- Issuance of International Driving Permits (IDP)
- Management of the Driver Theory Test (DTT)
- Conducting Driving Tests
- Issuance of Driver Certificates of Professional Competence (CPC).
Vehicle Testing & Roadworthiness Services:
- National Car Test (NCT) for private vehicles.
- Retests under NCT for vehicles that fail the initial test.
- Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) for buses, trucks, and vans.
- ADR Testing of vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
- Periodic Roadworthiness Testing compliance checks.
Road Safety & Enforcement Services:
- Road safety awareness campaigns.
- Research and statistics on road safety.
- Promotion of safe driving education programs.
- Management of the Penalty Points System.
- Investigation and monitoring of drink- and drug-driving offenses.
- Monitoring of motor insurance compliance.
Professional Driver & Transport Services:
- Regulation and training for Bus and Truck Drivers.
- CPC training and certification for professional drivers.
- Management of Operator Licence Compliance for transport businesses.
- Road transport safety and compliance inspections
Reasons Behind the Fee Adjustments:
The RSA fee are increasing because of many reasons now they include Inflation and many more. Like the last time when they changes the rates that is 2012. So after a long time they want to do some increase in expenses in wages, rent and other important services.
Many circumstances we see like the Revenue shortfall, in 2024 they seen a revenue decline of 7 million as compared to last year, which cause shortfall of 16 million in 2024. These increased fees will impact both individual drivers and business owners.
Public Reaction to the Price Increases:
Mostly people are unhappy about these changes because no one wants to pay more then they are paying in past and this is the first fee increase in over 10 years.
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has asked the government to change this decision, arguing that they are unfair especially at a time when discussions are happening about restructuring the RSA.
Important FAQs:
1. How much is the NCT fee 2025?
The NCT full test fee in Ireland for 2025 is €60, up from €55. The NCT retest fee has also increased from €28 to €40.
2. What is the RSA fee?
RSA fees cover services like driving licences, learner permits, and tests. In 2025, a driving licence costs €65, and a learner permit is €45.
3. How much does a driving test cost in Ireland?
In Ireland, the standard driving test costs €85 in 2025. This fee applies to a category B (car) driving test.
4. How much is the driving test in Ireland in 2025?
The driving test fee in Ireland for 2025 remains €85 for a standard car test, as confirmed by the RSA.
5. How many lessons before driving test in Ireland 2025?
In 2025, learner drivers in Ireland must complete 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons before taking the driving test.
Final Thoughts:
All Irish motorists will be affected by the fee hike imposed by the RSA. Although the government contends that these increases are essential to maintain services, most believe the fees are excessive.
When they renew their licenses or book an NCT, all drivers need to be aware of these changes and prepare for the extra expense.
If you’re planning to apply for a driving licence, book a driving test, or renew your documents in 2025, it’s important to know the new RSA fees. We’ve answered the most common questions people ask about these changes, like how much the NCT or driving test costs and how many lessons are required. This guide gives you clear and up-to-date information so you can plan ahead with confidence.