Can a learner drive a 1.7-litre car?

Can someone on a learner permit drive a 1.7-litre car?

Maria Kealy (Kilkenny)

Apr 2019 Filed under: learner

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Expert answer

Hi Maria,

Yes, as a learner permit doesn’t restrict you in which car you drive, the restriction will be when it comes to insurance. Sadly, Irish insurers have not caught up with the rest of the world and still reckon that the bigger the engine, the bigger the risk, so for someone on a learner’s permit generally speaking the biggest engine you’ll be able to get insured on will be around 1.4 litres. Shopping around can, of course, help a bit in that regard. 

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe