RSA known as Road Safety Authority is a Government Organization of Ireland which is responsible for road safety and reducing accidents on Irish Roads. They announced some new fee changes which starts from January 1, 2025. These updates are for 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 provide road safety services after the RSA reported a revenue shortfall in 2024.
Their role is to enforce road safety regulations, conduct driving tests, and provide driver education across Ireland.
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 in Ireland?
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:
1. Driver Licensing Services:
There are so many services provided by the RSA like they have a control of issuing and renewing’s of the driving licenses and provides a learning permits to the new drivers. If you are eligible to exchange a Foreign Driving license you can also do it through RSA.
They also give you the International Driving Permits (IDP) and manage your Driver Theory Test (DTT). In Ireland RSA will take Driving test from people and issue them the Driver Certificates of Professional Competence (CPC).
2. Vehicle Testing & Roadworthiness Services:
RSA is responsible for the National Car Test (NCT) for private vehicles and also take again test from the people who fail there initial NCT. They also take Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) from different type of Buses, Trucks and Vans.
If any of the Vehicle is carrying a goods that is dangerous RSA is also responsible for it and they Periodic Roadworthiness Testing compliance checks.
3. Road Safety & Enforcement Services:
They starting the Road safety awareness campaigns to aware Irish people about how to save them in any kind of the emergency. Also guide them about the statistics on road safety along with the Promotion of safe driving education programs.
RSA manage the Penalty Points System also they investigate and check the drink- and drug-drivers to provide safety to them also to other people. The Motor insurance compliance also managed by the RSA.
4. 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. If you’re planning to register a new or imported vehicle, you should also check how much Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) you’ll need to pay — use our free VRT Calculator to get an accurate estimate.
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. Mostly people are unhappy with the increase in the Fee because these fee are handle by Rich and wealthy people but not by the poor people and also by the people who can’t afford it.
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. But they only want to provide safety and manage many of services so they need some budget to handle it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the NCT fee in 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.
Conclusion:
In 2025, mostly all of the Drivers are effected by the increase of Tax. These tax are charged by Government and in return they will give some of the services. Whenever you want to Book and NCT or renew your license first check that how much you need to pay the extra expense.
If you’re apply for a driving licence, first book a driving test, or renew your documents which help you to know the new RSA fees.