4,685 people in Ireland are driving on learner permits more than a quarter of a century after they were issued with them. 

In total, there are currently 277,000 people with learner permits but most of them have had them for far less than 26 years. 

Learner drivers are not allowed to apply for a third learner permit unless they have recently done a driving test or have one booked.

Transport commentator Conor Faughnan says the issue needs to be addressed.

“Well, it is a ridiculous situation to be in, isn’t it?” he told Newstalk. 

“25 years plus with technically learner status as a driver! 

“It is a relatively small number in the scheme of things - we’ve over 2 million licenced drivers - but for this small number there’s clearly an anomaly. 

“While it’s possible to keep renewing your learner permit, it’s not how the system is envisaged. 

“It does look like a bit of abuse of the existing rules.”

Main image: A woman driving a car.