New Year, New Costs: What RSA Fee Hikes Mean for Drivers in 2025

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has rolled out fee hikes for driving licences and NCT tests from 2025. Announced in December, these increases are already affecting drivers across Ireland. If you're a young driver starting your journey, here’s what you need to know about these changes.

As your go-to provider of insurance for learner drivers, we’re here to help you stay ahead of these updates. With so many steps involved in getting on the road, staying informed about every new development is crucial. 

 

Why Are Fees Going Up?

 

The RSA has raised fees to cover higher operating costs and maintain essential services like driving tests and vehicle checks. These adjustments help maintain high standards in road safety and service quality. By raising fees, the RSA aims to ensure its services can meet the growing demand and maintain efficiency. You can find the full breakdown of these changes here.
 

What’s Changing?

 

Several key areas have seen price adjustments: 

New 2025 Driving Licence Fees

The cost of applying for or renewing your driving licence has increased. Here’s a breakdown of the changes:  

• Full driving licence: Increased from €55 to €65
• Learner permit: Increased from €35 to €45
• Exchange of foreign driving licence: Increased from €55 to €65.

If you’re a young driver, it’s important to account for these adjustments in your budget, especially if you’re working towards your full licence. These increases, while relatively modest, can add up over time. 

2. New 2025 NCT Test Fees

The National Car Test (NCT) ensures that your vehicle is roadworthy, and it’s now more expensive. Here’s what has changed:  

• Full test under the NCT: Increased from €55 to €60
• Retest under the NCT: Increased from €28 to €40
• Commercial vehicle roadworthiness test (CVRT): 15% increase in the pre-VAT cost.

These fee hikes make it even more important to stay on top of your car's maintenance to avoid retests and additional costs. As a driver, ensuring your car is roadworthy can save you from unexpected expenses and hassle.  

Read our guide to affordable car testing when it comes to the NCT. 

 

How This Impacts Learner Drivers

 

For learner drivers, these fee hikes add another layer of cost to an already pricey process. From paying for lessons to securing insurance, getting a licence involves several expenses. Now, with higher fees for both licences and NCT tests, it’s important to plan your finances carefully. For those still in school or working part-time, this might mean making choices about where to allocate funds most effectively.

 

Navigating the Road Ahead

 

Balancing these new fees might seem daunting, but with some strategic planning, you can handle it smoothly. Here’s how: 

I. Budget Smart: Keep track of your upcoming expenses, from licence renewals to NCT tests. Creating a budget can help you manage these costs without feeling overwhelmed. Breaking down these costs into monthly savings goals can make them more manageable over time.

II. Stay Informed: Keep up with updates from the RSA, so you’re always aware of any future changes. Knowledge is power, and staying informed can help you plan better. Following reliable sources and signing up for alerts can ensure you never miss important updates.

III. Look for Savings: Insurance for learner drivers can be expensive, but it’s essential. Shop around for providers offering competitive rates to help offset rising costs elsewhere. Consider looking for providers that offer discounts for safe driving or for bundling policies together. 

 

Staying Ahead of Rising Costs

 

Fee increases might feel like a setback, but they don’t have to derail your plans. By being proactive and organised, you can stay ahead of these changes. Keep a calendar of important dates like your NCT test or licence renewal and set reminders well in advance. This way, you won’t be caught off guard and can spread out your expenses over time.

Also, consider other ways to save. For instance, some driving schools offer package deals for driving lessons, which can help reduce costs. Checking for discounts on insurance or maintenance services can also ease the financial burden.  

 

Drive Smart and Stay Covered

 

While fee hikes aren’t ideal, a little planning can make all the difference. Stay on top of your driving-related expenses, and remember, we’re here to help you stay covered. If you’re a learner driver, we offer some of the best learner driver insurance around. Visit Coverinaclick.ie to find out how we can support you on your driving journey.