Some learners have driven for more than 30 years while never having a full licence.

The figures from the Road Safety Authority cover the years from 1994 to the present, according to The Irish Times. There is no legal requirement for holders of third or later learner permits to actually take the test; however, they must provide documentation that they have applied for one.

As they will likely finish the required lessons, learners with their first or second learner permits were not included in the analysis.

28,570 motorists were on a third or later learner permit that was initially issued between 2018 and 2009, according to the RSA. According to the RSA, a sizable group of drivers who obtained their first learner's permit prior to 2008 and are still waiting for a full licence may not have taken a test.

At the beginning of this year, about 420 drivers per month - or about 3% of all tests - failed to show up for their driving tests.

The Road Safety Strategy (2013-2020) included a measure to close the loophole that enables new drivers to renew their licences without taking a test more than ten years ago.