THE NUMBER of learner drivers caught driving unaccompanied in Cork showed a 22.1% increase from 2024.

521 learner drivers were issued fixed charge notices by gardaí in Cork county for driving unaccompanied in 2024.

This rose to 636 people in 2025, an increase of 22.1%.

In contrast, in the Cork City Garda divisions, 565 people were issued fixed charge notices by Gardaí for driving unaccompanied in 2024 – this fell to 457 in 2025, a 19.1% decrease.

Speaking on the release of the figures, Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú said she was disappointed with the statistics from Cork county garda divisions.

She also said it is important to remind parents that learner drivers must be accompanied at all times by someone who has held a full, valid driving licence in the same category for a minimum of two years.

'Learner drivers lack the experience and judgment required to handle complex driving situations,' she said.

'That can mean more accidents on our roads. When an inexperienced driver gets behind the wheel of a car without any supervision, they are endangering themselves, other drivers, and other road users'

Those who are convicted of driving unaccompanied or those who allow their vehicle to be driven by an unaccompanied learner driver can have their vehicle impounded.

Ní Mhurchú highlighted that many parents do not know that their car is at risk of being impounded if their son or daughter drives it unaccompanied.

Driving unaccompanied can lead to fines of up to €1,000 and four penalty points.

The Transport MEP said she also wants to see continued improvements in driving test wait times.

Funding by the Courts Reporting Scheme