Drivers on learner permits for longer than four years will have to take a driving test before they can renew their permit under new regulations.
The move will close a loophole which allows learners to drive indefinitely without ever having to sit a test.
For most learner drivers, they would be on their third learner permit by the time they reach the four-year deadline.
After seven years, to continue learning to drive, the learner would begin the process again – meaning having to take a theory test, gain their learner permit, take 12 essential driver-training lessons and then the practical test.
The new regulations will not come into effect until November next year.
Earlier, South Tipperary TD Michael Murphy raised the issue in the Dáil, saying the law was to be changed in 2014, but the loophole had remained open for 11 years.
He said that around 63,000 learners have renewed their permits over 20 times.
"I understand efforts are being made to reduce waiting times but unless this loophole is closed and the no-show rate is addressed, the system will continue to face unnecessary pressure," the Fine Gael TD said.
He added: "I urge the Minister of State to bring those regulations forward without delay because every month that passes is another month where this loophole continues to undermine road safety and fairness.
"This reform has been promised for over a decade - it is now time to deliver it."
After signing the new regulations this afternoon, Minister of State with Responsibility for Road Safety Seán Canney said it was an important development in advancing road safety.
Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said the purpose of the regulations was to encourage learners to become fully qualified drivers.
"It is vital that learner drivers complete the learning process and are discouraged from holding learner permits without ever taking a driving test," he added.
The founder of the PARC road safety group, Susan Gray, welcomed the changes but said they would "not rest" until the loophole is actually closed in November 2026.
"PARC welcomes the progress being made by Seán Canney today to close the learner driver loophole but we will not rest until it's actually closed in November 2026.
"Since 2013, the RSA promised to stop renewing permits to those that don't bother turning up for their driving test appointment. Latest data from the RSA show there have been over 6,000 'no shows' this year with no consequence.
"We would urge Minister Canney to closely monitor the work of the RSA on this matter and demand reports every month and to ensure that these reports are published on the RSA website for total transparency," she added.
Chief Operating Officer of the Road Safety Authority Brendan Walsh said the move was about improving safety and fairness for everyone and not to penalise people.
He said: "The learner permit is a stepping stone to safe, independent driving - not a long-term substitute for a full licence. The proposed changes aim to help learners progress with the right training and support, so they build confidence and the up-to-date skills needed on today's roads."
